Two madcap snooker fanatics from Medway have broken the world record for non-stop play.

Gerry Cunningham and Gary McDonald spent their entire weekend at Chatham Snooker Club taking part in a 50-hour snooker marathon.

The previous world record stood at 48 hours, 24 minutes and 38 seconds.

The pair cued off on Friday, at 2pm, at the Military Road club, but the attempt almost failed before it started after one of the original players, Colin Adcock, fell ill with a stomach bug.

An appeal for another player went out on Medway’s kmfm and Gary stepped in to save the event from collapse.

They played 114 games in total, playing through to 4pm Sunday to beat the record. Cllr David Carr, the Mayor was on hand to see them finish and handed over a donation to boost their total, which they hope will be about £1,000.

Gerry said: "It’s been very hard to keep going, but with the help of a few pints and the support from the people at the club and our families we got there. It’s been really emotional and at times it was so hard, but I was determined to get through and I feel it’s a great achievement.

~ Audio: Gerry Cunningham spoke to kmfm's Patrick Gearey after his marathon effort >>>

“If it wasn’t for Gary stepping in at the last moment it wouldn’t have been possible to break the world record. I can’t thank him enough as he had to change his plans to be here.”

As well as smashing the record by more than an hour and a half, the pair also raised money for the Air Ambulance and Demelza House Children’s Hospice.

There is still time to pledge money to boost their fund-raising efforts. Call Gerry on 01795 662425 or 07530 296269 or email gerrycunningham2008@hotmail.co.uk