A world record attempt for the longest rugby match was thwarted by technical issues with only hours to go.

Organised by fitness coach Mark Laws, 36, his invitational team took on Thetford Rugby Club to beat the current record of 31 hours, with money raised from the event to be split between various charities.

The event began in the early hours of Friday, August 17, at Thetford Rugby Club, but equipment issues meant the game had to be stopped after 23 hours on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Laws said: “Unfortunately we had an issue with the cameras after 23 hours which then meant the world record couldn’t be validated, so sadly we had to stop.

“We learned a lot during the day and will be setting a date very soon for another attempt in May/June 2019.

“Disappointing to have been stopped by a technical issue but plenty of good things have come out of it all.”