St Bede's School in Redhill entered the history books this week after smashing the previous world record of 1,159 people dancing to the Macarena simultaneously for five minutes.

The final total was 1,704 and the students and staff even managed to dance to the cheesy pop anthem for six minutes.

The event was filmed from two different angles and several photos were taken to provide evidence of the feat, which has raised £340 so far to go towards the sixth form's six chosen charities.

It took 15 minutes for the students and staff to get through the counting stations at the end and every participant was numbered to make sure they were recorded.

Head of sixth form Nigel Sharman said: "It was a tremendous effort, a very positive turnout from the school.

"No student was forced to take part, but we had a great turn out, we think 98 per cent of the school's pupils took part.

"Particular credit should go to sixth form student Abbi McDermot, who came up with the idea. She informed the whole school and has planned it since October."

The school are even selling T-shirts to commemorate their record breaking success and part of the money they receive for each T-shirt will go to charity.

However Mr Sharman is relieved the practice sessions and the attempt itself are over as the catchy song was beginning drive him mad.

Mr Sharman said: "I'll be quite happy if I never hear that song again."