Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Phone box record

The Scottish phone box made famous in the film Local Hero is to be the subject of a world record attempt for squeezing the most people inside.

The red phone box in Pennan, Banffshire, found fame when it featured in the 1983 Burt Lancaster film.

The current world record for human phone box filling stands at 14 people.

The Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership is now looking for at least 15 agile people to help Pennan claim a new record.The Bill Forsyth film saw representatives of a US petro-chemical giant, who were seeking to build a refinery in a coastal village, come to find the gentler rhythms of the local life practically irresistible.

Last year Pennan was given the accolade of the best film location in the UK.

Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership chairman Karen Crowe said: "Undoubtedly the world's most famous red phone booth, the Pennan phone box is a renowned landmark.

"Tourists from as far afield as Japan and Australia make the pilgrimage to the village to take a picture in front of the illustrious attraction.

Pennan phone box and hotel
People travel from all over the world to see the phone box

"Making this world record attempt will further celebrate its legendary status. The hunt for volunteers begins now and I for one will be more than happy to squeeze up and breathe in."

The current world record was set in Edinburgh's Royal Mile in 2003, beating the previous record of 12 people that was set in Germany in 1997.

The aim of the Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership is to increase awareness of the Banffshire area.

For further information on how to take part in the world record challenge at Pennan phone box contact the Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership on 0870 8030251 or visit www.banffshirecoast.com.

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