THE STAFF at the White Hart Coaching Hotel in Calne have been slaving away to prepare hundreds of costumes ready for this weekend's Guinness World Record attempt.

Landlords David and Rebecca Leaning and a group of friends have been busy making 300 shepherd's costumes for the town's Most Living Figures in a Nativity Scene record attempt, organised by Calne Town Council and the Bible Society, which will take place during the annual Christmas lights switch-on event at The Green on Saturday.

"People can still take part in the event on the night but chances are they will not have a costume in their back pocket, so we are trying to make 300," Mrs Leaning said. "Thousands of people come to the Christmas lights switch-on every year and if we are prepared we can chip in and help. Even without the world record attempt, the town's Christmas lights switch-on is a fantastic day and it is so full of community spirit. I cannot imagine what it is going to be like this year."

The White Hart is also hosting a number of officials for the event and some of their function rooms will be used to co-ordinate the Christmas event, which starts at 4.30pm with the lantern parade. Anyone wanting to take part in the record attempt should be at The Green for 5.15-5.45pm with the lights switch-on taking place shortly after.

A Calne Town Council spokesman said: "At this late stage Calne Town Council are happy for people to turn up on the night to take part in the Guinness World Record attempt, to make sure Calne breaks the record, but they must be dressed in costume: as a wise man, shepherd or angel. It would be great if people still registered but the council appreciate that people are waiting to see what the weather will be like. "