Colchester's Harry Jeffery achieves Guinness World Record

Youngster Harry Jeffery regularly enjoys taking part in competitive obstacle course racing (OCR).

He, alongside little sister Sophie, has travelled all over the world enjoying competitive OCR events, after being inspired by dad Stuart at an even younger age.

Trio - Sophie and Harry Jeffery pictured with famous Spartan runner Steven Hammond after their wins in The Bahamas last year (Image: Public)

Now, Harry, 12, has achieved a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance traversed using hooks in one minute, which now stands at 31m.

Harry achieved the feat on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, the Italian version of the Ultimate Guinness World Records program, in Milan in February.

Dad Stuart said: “After last year’s success at the world championships in the Bahamas, Harry then went over to Belgium for the European championships.

“That put him on a few people’s radars.

“This year the TV show in Italy wanted to do more with youngsters and they knew about Harry, the TV show wanted someone from the UK so we got contacted through them.

“There were various obstacle records and Harry was given the hook to rings.”

Smiles - Harry Jeffery in his garden with his world record (Image: Public)

Before the show, Harry was given details of his challenge so the family set up something similar in their garden home.

“He spent every day out there practicing for a good two months,” said Stuart.

“Even Christmas day.”

Harry achieved the feat appearing on the show in Milan.

Stuart said: “It was incredible to see. We are so proud.

“The dedication he put into it was fantastic, so the record was the cherry on top. All his family and friends are so happy for him.

“To have a Guinness World Record at 12, it’s not a bad thing to put on the CV.”

Following his success, Harry and Sophie met with Colchester mayor John Jowers.

Thumbs up - Harry Jeffery pictured with Colchester mayor Harry Jeffery and John Jowers (Image: Public)

It also included a special tour around Colchester Town Hall.

Stuart said: “They contacted us after hearing about our achievement, it was completely out of the blue.

“They spent about two hours with them, spoke about their success in the Bahamas, asked all about OCR, it was lovely.

“They also enjoyed a tour around the town hall.

“For them to be recognised by their own city was really nice and they didn’t need to do it.

“The whole thing was a lovely experience.”