A group of Essex Special Constables failed to beat a bizarre world record.

They had set themselves the task of printing postcodes on as many bicycles as possible within four hours. They were trying to beat the current record of 841, held by Lancashire Police.

But the ten officers from Chelmsford failed to succeed because too few people turned up with bikes to help them.

Section officer Howard Rayner said: "We were nowhere near.

"We postcoded just under 200 bikes, but just not enough people turned up. It was a good day though."

The constables made their attempt to land a place in the Guinness Book of World Records on Sunday outside Halfords at the Chelmer Retail Park.

The store donated two new bicycles for the special constables to use for their cycle patrols.

Mr Rayner said: "We will try for the record again but with more preparation and more organisation, but we are happy with what we have done."

Making their mark - special constables Pat Snape, left, and Paul Lamnbardi during their world record attempt

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