Light bulb 'in almost continuous use since 1901'

A light bulb in the US has been in almost continuous use for 110 years, it has been claimed.

The Centennial Bulb – which has previously been recognised as the oldest light bulb in the world by the Guinness Book of Records – was first turned on in 1901 and has only been switched off briefly in 1903 and 1937, as well as during an occasional power cut.

The item is in Fire Station 6 in Livermore, California, and the town is planning a celebration to crown its 110-year achievement.

Lynn Owens, the chairman of the town's light bulb centennial committee, said: "We've had scientists from all over the country look at this light bulb. Of course nobody has ever been able to touch it.

"Nobody knows how it's possible. It is a 60 watt bulb and it's only turned on for about four watts but nobody knows why it keeps burning."