PEOPLE in Clitheroe made an attempt today to beat the world record for the largest gathering of elves.

The hopefuls donned Christmassy garb, pointy ears and elf hats at Clitheroe Castle Bandstand to try and break a Guinness record which stood at 1,762. 

Although the elf-gathering failed in their bid to reach that target, they did succeed in breaking the record for Clitheroe and Lancashire.

Organisers said 133 elves braved the cold and wet weather to gather at the bandstand and that no such gathering had happened in the county before.

Organised by Clitheroe Chamber of Trade and Commerce, 'Elf Yourself’ was part of a wider festive-themed event to promote Clitheroe.

It saw Christmas carols sung at the castle, a Santa's grotto, donkeys for children to ride, music entertainment throughout the day and Christmas stalls around the town.

Owen Phillips, president of Clitheroe Chamber of Trade, hailed the event as a success.

He said: "We wanted to bring as many people as possible to see the fantastic town of Clitheroe.

"When they're here, they'll see lovely shops and bars and places to eat and drink they can have a fantastic Christmas day out.

He said the chamber of trade have worked closely with Love Clitheroe, who organised carols at the castle after the elf gathering.

Visitors could also enjoy free mince pies and a hot drink at the event.

Mr Phillips added: "We've organised the 'Elf Yourself' event where everyone was invited to come to Clitheroe to break a new Clitheroe and Lancashire record for the number of Christmas elves in one place at once.

"There's no current record so we're getting it today.

"With the weather being as it is, we're happy to get a few hundred people attending the overall event and that's what we've got.

"The event has been fantastic and a real success and we're delighted how many people braved the weather and attended."

Emily Stell, from Clitheroe, who attended the elf gathering with her two children Harry Stell and Penny Stell, said: "It was a brilliant event and a great start to Christmas.

Marie Bywater, 41, from Clitheroe, who also went to the event with her family added: "It was very good and brought people together, plus there were free mince pies and a hot drink."