ELEVEN hobby horse riders kept their nerve and their balance to topple a world record as part of a 50th anniversary celebration rally in the Fens. The participants broke the record of nine, set in 2003, by lining up side-by-side on Upwell s playing field

ELEVEN hobby horse riders kept their nerve and their balance to topple a world record as part of a 50th anniversary celebration rally in the Fens.

The participants broke the record of nine, set in 2003, by lining up side-by-side on Upwell's playing field in New Road. They had to hold onto the handle bar of the hobby horses next to them and hold their balance for three minutes by lifting their feet off the ground.

The record attempt was originally going to see 14 people take part, but illnesses meant that three hobby horses were missing.

Colin Bedford, rally organiser and MVVCC chairman, said: "Everyone really enjoyed it and it was excellent to break the world record. I am really thrilled with it."

It was the highlight of a weekend of golden anniversary celebrations for the National Association of Vintage Cycle Clubs, organised by the March Vintage and Veteran Cycle Club.

It started Saturday, with an 18-mile bike ride around Upwell, Outwell and Friday Bridge during the day, and a dinner and dance in the evening at Upwell Village Hall, with guest speaker Jayne Lewin-Smith, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire.

Sunday saw the world record attempt, alongside a cycle ride which was started by Ann Clery-Fox, mayor of King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council. More than 250 people took part.

It was followed by a display by the Dandy Chargers hobby horse riding team which included a race from one side of the playing field to the other, and a display by Irish world champion Penny Farthing trick rider, Pete Matthews.

Ten awards were then handed out at the end of the weekend, which saw March girl Stacey Parrish pick up the award for the best turned out junior girl rider.

There was also a raffle, with the top prize a bike donated by March Cycle Shop.