SIXTEEN keen footballers based at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham can expect some extra time this weekend as they attempt to break the world record for the longest ever five-a-side game, in the hope of raising £1,000 for Prospect Hospice.

The current record stands at 42 hours and a minute, which was set in August this year, and the Serco team is determined to raise the record to 43 hours.

Luke Mitchell, a lead administrator at Serco who has been involved in the organisation of the event, said: “All the guys taking part are footballers of varying ability, and we’ve even roped in three referees to help.

“We expect there to be at least 500 goals scored, as there were when the record was most recently broken.”

The game will be between two sides – Serco staff versus a team made up of military personnel based at the Defence Academy.

“For many of us, this event is to raise money in recognition of the excellent service given to a colleague at the end of her life,” said Luke.

“Prospect Hospice has been our chosen charity for this year and we hope to raise at least £1,000, and also become record breakers.”