A CHARITY fundraising event was just 20 welly-wearers short of a new world record when 189 people took to the streets of Witherslack for a conga with a difference.

Local school children, women’s institute members, farmers and residents put their best boot forward for the challenge, as part of an action-packed weekend of welly-themed wackiness.

“It was a great shame we never managed to break the record but everyone had a good time trying,” said Rev John Sainsbury of Outreach House Church, which organised the event.

“The sight of 189 people doing the conga through the streets if Witherslack is one I will never forget.”

The Witherslack Welly Weekend was part of a fundraising drive to enable eight villagers travel to the Congo-Rwanda border and help communities devastated by conflict and natural disasters.

Mr Sainsbury said the exact amount raised from the weekend’s frivolities was not yet known, but estimated it to be around £1,300.

This includes £500 raised by Keith Smith, a brave villager who volunteered to have his legs waxed.

“We have now raised about £2,500 towards our trip but we still have a long way to go to reach the £20,000 target,” Mr Sainsbury added.