Waddle lot of fun! ‘Penguins’ set new world record for Richard House Hospice

Penguins – or rather people dressed up as the Antarctic avians – have set a new Guinness World Record.

A grand total of 373 flippered folk descended on City Hall in London last night to set the new world record for the “largest gathering of people dressed as penguins”.

The successful attempt was in aid of Richard House Hospice, with the flock of fundraisers taking part in a 2km “waddle” around Tower Bridge. The event is set to raise thousands for the Beckton-based hospice.

BBC Ground Force star and hospice patron Tommy Walsh hosted the evening. Despite a spot of rain he said it was “all held in high spirits”.

He added: “People dressed up, had fun and raised a lot of money for Richard House Children’s Hospice, which is very good cause. Let’s see if we can beat the record again next year.”

Guinness World Record officials were on hand to verify the record, made on the eve of Guinness World Record Day.

Fundraising coordinator Hannah Bosley said: “It was so great to be back in the record books and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the penguins.

All the money raised to the event, sponsored by Pension Insurance, will go towards providing vital care and support for children and young adults with life-limiting health conditions.