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PUBGOERS felt the love as they tried to smash the world record for the biggest number of people hugging in one place.
About 180 people crammed into the garden at the Alex pub, in Alexandra Street, Southend, in an attempt to break the Guinness world record for the most people hugging for one minute.
The record of 112 was set at St Pancras railway station, to mark Guinness World Records Day, in November 2009.
Regulars took part in the event at the Alex, helping to raise £200 for Southend’s SOS Bus, and the pub is awaiting final confirmation that it broke the world record.
Pub manager Paul Watson said: “We think we have broken it, but at the moment we are collating all the evidence so we can send it off to them.
“When we set out, we didn’t realise how many rules and regulations you had to comply with.
“The majority of people got into the spirit of it and seemed to enjoy themselves. We just need to plan the next one now.”
Mr Watson said the staff and regulars wanted to break more Guinness world records in the future.
He added: “We are currently working out which ones to do. We think it should be based around hugging in some shape or form.”
If the attempt is successful, all the participants will be able to write to the Guinness world records’ office to obtain a certificate.
The decision on whether the pub has broken the current record should be announced within six weeks.
