SPARKS were flying and records were shattered in Lyme Regis as more than two thousand guitarists joined forces to create Britain’s biggest-ever band.

Guitars on the Beach, organised by Geoff Baker, attracted worldwide interest and saw 2,267 musicians – including some from Canada, the US and Germany – break the record to create Britain’s biggest band.

Rain threatened to end the day prematurely when a sudden downpour just after 4pm meant rain seeped onto the stage, causing the electrical equipment to spark.

Safety fears meant organisers had to bring the world record attempt forward by half an hour.

Rain couldn’t dampen spirits as six-year-old Darci Street started the event by singing Somewhere over the Rainbow before West End star and former Woodroffe School pupil Billy Geraghty led two renditions of Buddy Holly’s hit Rave On.

Billy said he had never seen anything like this before in his home town.

He said: “It was brilliant, absolutely fantastic. My favourite part was when Geoff asked everyone in the crowd to hold their guitars in the air, and that was when the sheer size of it sunk in.

“The sound of everyone playing along was incredible. I couldn’t believe the sound of it all.

“This is a great example of music bringing people together and everyone playing together – it was great.”

After complaints from people who missed the first rendition the guitarists performed a third time.

Mr Baker paid tribute to event volunteers and fellow organiser Jill Newton.

He said: “I am proud of everybody. I am proud of Lyme. This is a fantastic achievement and it’s a Lyme Regis achievement. I’m 57 and this has been the biggest and best thing I have seen in this town.”

Those in the crowd were also delighted with the event.

Tony Cooper from Exeter said: “I have never been to anything like this before and I am loving it. There are a lot of like-minded people sharing ideas and sharing music – it’s great.”

David and Sue Cane from Essex said: “It’s nice to think we are part of a world record and what we like is the whole town is getting into the spirit of things.”

Local youngsters Hugo Hammond, 14, Archie Mitchell, 15, Max Mitchell, 13 and Hamish Davies, 14, were playing their guitars whilst balancing on unicycles. Hugo said: “We heard about it on Facebook and we are very excited to be a part of a world record.”