A dad from Orpington has applied for a Guinness World Record after flying his Elf on a Shelf toy hundreds of metres in the air.

Stephen Sangster, 41, embarked on what he described as his “most adventurous” Elf on a Shelf idea this year to mark the festive season.

The dad-of-four with the help of his neighbour flew his elf 200 feet above the Orpington skyline, which involved tethering several balloons to the "naughty" elf, along with a kite string to ensure they could be retrieved afterwards.

News Shopper: The Elf on a Shelf attached to balloonsThe Elf on a Shelf attached to balloons (Image: Stephen Sangster)

Stephen told the News Shopper: “It was definitely the most ambitious idea I’ve had, I wanted to do something that would give a bit of the ‘wow’ factor for my kids.

“I had to wait until December 23 for the right weather conditions to do it, it’s been too windy to do it this month.

“I don’t have any plans for next Christmas yet, but I worry the kids will expect bigger and better things after this.”

News Shopper: The elf takes flight!The elf takes flight! (Image: Stephen Sangster)

Stephen, a keen videographer, documented the moment on film for his children showing the elf attempting the “getaway.”

Stephen said: “My children thought it was hilarious, I showed them the video the following day and they couldn’t believe the adventure the little elf had been on.”

News Shopper: The elf enjoying the view from up highThe elf enjoying the view from up high (Image: Stephen Sangster)

Following the flight, Stephen submitted the achievement to the Gunnies World Records for “highest unmanned elf flight using a tethered balloon.”

Stephen told News Shopper he is awaiting the verdict and hopes to be given the news within the next 14 weeks.