BROMSGROVE rugby players have scored a world record-breaking try - and that's official.

The Guinness Book of Records has now confirmed that a match held at Bromsgrove Rugby Club last August bank holiday was the longest game of the sport ever played.

Bromsgrove Boars and Bromsgrove Barbarians battled it out over 25 hours, 59 minutes and 47 seconds at the club's home in Finstall Park, Finstall Road.

It began at 12.15pm on August 24 and continued overnight, finishing at 2.15pm the following day, with the final score standing at the Boars 1,326 - the Barbarians 1,229.

Each team played with a squad of 22 - 15 on the pitch at any time and seven substitutes to roll on and off.

They smashed the previous world record by one hour and nine minutes.

Members of the club, including some serving and former soldiers, took part in the game, rotating on the pitch.

Evidence, including video footage and written statements, then had to be submitted to the Guinness Book of Records, who have now confirmed the world record.

The match was organised to raise money for the Scotty's Little Soldiers charity, which works to support the children of men and women killed in action while serving in the armed forces by taking them on holidays and helping with university fees.

Although money is still being collected it has been estimated that more than £23,000 has been raised for the charity so far.

The event was organised by rugby club members and ex soldiers Ian Riley and Ben Copson, together with Ben's wife Sophie.

Ian said: "We’re thrilled to bits. It’s absolutely incredible. There was a small army of volunteers helping out evidencing the attempt."

He added: "Despite adverse weather conditions and aching limbs, the heroic players dug deep and played continuously for 26 hours.

"We started the record attempt in glorious sunshine but, at 10pm that night, the rain came and it was really heavy for three or four hours from 2am and continued to rain until the end."

People can still make a donation towards the cause at bmycharity.com/longestrugbygame.