A group of carol singers has helped to break a world record for the number of congregants singing Christmas tunes at the same time.

The group at St John’s Church, New Malden, was one of a number that broke the Guinness World Record for having the largest number of people to sing carols across the country.

Nationwide, 17,000 singers were involved in the feat, with nearly 100 people attending the event at St John’s Church.

Associate vicar Helen Durant-Stevensen said: “We had people who saw the story in the Kingston Guardian and Surrey Comet and who heard it on Premier Christian Radio that came who weren’t even part of the church.

“It went very well indeed. People enjoyed the carols, especially when they were singing together.”

Churches from around the country texted in the number they had participating in the record attempt, which was aimed at promoting the real meaning of Christmas.

The results still have to be verified with the official body, however the organisers are assured of victory after learning they had hit the target before 50 churches had sent in their numbers.

However, the festive challenge has yet to be signed off by two independent monitors.

Church warden Christine Keen said: “We had quite a number of people who came from outside the church.

“It was really good for the community.

“We had mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.”

When asked whether the church would be attempting to break any more records, she said: “It was a one-off to promote the idea of Christmas, but if any more come our way, then why not?”