OFFICIALS from the Guinness World Records have confirmed that North East Chamber of Commerce members successfully created the world’s biggest human currency symbol.
The record attempt was staged as part of NECC’s 200th Anniversary Business Week and saw 327 members form themselves into a giant pound sign.
The stunt, carried out to promote inward investment into the North East, was held in Northumbria University’s giant Sports Central building.
NECC members crowded into the room as part of the organisation’s Member Showcase exhibition on 11 June, with exhibitors and visitors taking part in the record attempt in the middle of the event.
NECC also called in the support of its Member Anniversaries Club. Around 20 of the 50 members that are also celebrating significant anniversaries this year, who collectively represent nearly 2,000 years of North East business, were there at the front of crowds.
After submitting a series of photographs, videos and data, NECC then faced a wait while officials verified the stringent criteria required for official world records had been met.
But the confirmation has now come through that the record has been deemed official.
NECC Chief Executive James Ramsbotham, who was part of the giant pound sign, said: “We have events throughout the year to mark our 200th anniversary, but this was definitely one of the most unusual.
“The members who took part had to adhere to some strict guidelines to fulfil the criteria, but it’s all paid off now we’re officially in the Guinness Book of Records.
“It was all great fun, but hopefully also carries the serious message that we are open for investment in the North East.”