Giant hug breaks world record

More than 3,000 people broke a world record when they joined together for the world's biggest hug.

With 3,424 people taking part in National Hug Day at Harvey Haddon Sports Centre, Bilborough, Nottingham, the record was brought over the Atlantic to the UK.

The previous holders Rocori Area Schools, in Minnesota, only set the record last month when 2,903 people took part.

The big event was organised by Slimming World's charity Smiles to raise money for the Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

TV celebrity Shane Richie hosted the challenge.

Allison Brentnall, a spokeswoman for Slimming World, said she was "absolutely delighted" that the record was broken.

"When we were planning the record bid we only had to beat 1,802, but the Americans topped that, so we knew we had to do something special," she said.

"We had around 3,300 people who said they would take part but you never actually now how many are going to turn up on the day.

"We estimate that we have raised around £25,000 (€38,000) for Sargent Cancer Care today although we have already raised £100,000 for them this year, so far."