A NEW world record is likely to have been set in Wimborne - as part of the fight to wipe out polio across the globe.

The record, for the longest line of letters, was organised by Dan Hancock and Jen Ormond from The Short and Sweet Company following their successful attempt for the Longest Line of Books in July 2016.

They were approached by Rotary Wessex District Governor Chris Slocock to manage a new World Record in support of the Purple4Polio campaign.

It was performed by people each holding a letter of a message promoting the campaign - an initiative that aims to eradicate the infection worldwide.

Wimborne Rotary spokesman John Gully told the Daily Echo: "It went well, the actual record now needs to be verified by Guinness but we believe we've set a new world record.

"We had about 270 people there and each of them held up one letter of a message which essentially highlighted the work which Rotary has done to eliminate polio.

"We were well supported and the rain held off until the record had been set."

The record attempt took place at Wimborne's Allendale Centre on Sunday, and formed part of a family fun day.

A spokesman for the Rotary campaign said: "For over 30 years, Rotary and its members have been committed to fighting to eradicate polio across the world.

"The amount of polio-endemic countries has dropped from 125 to just three, with more than 2.5 billion children receiving vaccinations thanks to the help of Rotary.

"With eradication now closer than ever, Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s latest campaign, Purple4Polio, is designed to unite communities to engage in activities as part of the final push to eradicate polio for good."