FOUR pool players are on their way into the record books after playing for 24 hours.

Committee members from the New Eltham Social Club, Avery Hill Road, also raised £3,000 for charity through their efforts.

The challenge sets the first world record for the number of pool matches played in a 24-hour period.

Heating engineer Steve Kirton came up with the idea to raise money for the Orpington Gateway Club, Crofton Halls, York Rise, which puts on events for people with learning difficulties.

The 53-year-old, of Milner Walk, New Eltham, was accompanied by his son Matthew, 27, and fellow committee members Brad Haigh, 39, and Bernie Scott, 40.

He said: "It feels great to have completed the challenge, set a new world record and raised the money for charity.

"But we're all absolutely exhausted.

"Originally we were going to play a mixture of different sets but Guinness World Records upped the ante and told us we had to play continuous sets of doubles.

"Luckily we were afforded five-minute breaks every hour so we could go and relieve ourselves."

Now the foursome are waiting for their record to be confirmed by Guinness World Records.

Nine witnesses, including police officers, councillors and Eltham MP Clive Efford took turns to watch the record attempt.

As part of the team's application it was stipulated the players had to be recorded on video.

Reputable people from the community also had to act as witnesses.

A team of nurses was also on hand as a health and safety precaution.

However, the four players sailed through without any problems.