PUB pool players in Kingsteignton are planning to chalk up the next Guinness world record for continuous play.

For more than four days, property manager Darren Stocks and pub landlord Graham Cuthbert will be playing pool against each other at The Bell Inn. They plan to beat the current world record of 100 hours, while raising funds for Rowcroft Hospice at the same time.

Darren said: ‘We wanted to do something to support Rowcroft, a much-needed and under-funded local charity, and also to get into the Guinness World Records book.

‘We’ve done a couple of 12 and 24-hour shifts as a warm-up and think lack of sleep is going to be the biggest issue.

‘Under the Guinness rules we’re allowed five minutes every hour, for sleep and toilet breaks, which we can bank up a bit.

‘We’ve spoken to a sleep consultant at Torbay Hospital about how to stay awake. The problem is usually in reverse, for people trying to sleep! It was really helpful and we were advised to sleep no more than 40 or 50 minutes to avoid falling into deep sleep.

‘It’s going to be a real test of endurance. Those who’ve tried for this record before said their backs ache like crazy and it’s hard to keep focusing on the balls.’

Even though they’ll be holed up in the pub for four days they said they won’t be drinking alcohol, as this would scupper their chance of success.

Both have been playing pool for more than 25 years. They will be monitored by independent witnesses, on four-hourly shifts, and have to play in the true spirit of the game.

The current world record was set in 2013 in Colorado, USA. Before then it had been 70 hours. Others have tried and failed to beat the 100-hour record, but Darren and Graham are confident of success.

The pair have raised £4,000 so far for Rowcroft, and are planning to raise more during the event.

Play will start at midday on Wednesday, February 22, and the record will be broken at 4pm on Sunday, February 26. They will play on until 9pm to reach 105 hours of continuous play.