More elves have gathered in Gravesend today than anywhere else in the world - ever!

As many as 948 people dressed in red and green outfits - along with elf hats with ears - descended on Community Square in the town centre.

From four-month-olds to those over 80, people came out in force between 1pm and 2.30pm to pay homage to Santa's little helpers and broke a Guinness World Record.

The record is still yet to be confirmed, but an independent adjudicator confirmed Gravesham now holds the official world record – smashing the previous total of 762 elves in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, this time last year.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Burden (Lab) turned 51 today and donned his elf hat with pride.

He said: "It was heart-warming to see so many people out on the square thoroughly enjoying themselves at a Gravesham council Christmas event.

"People of all ages were having a fantastic time, which is what Christmas is all about."

The event was used to raise the profile of charity shops in the town - including British Heart Foundation, RSPCA, British Red Cross, Oxfam, Marie Curie Cancer Care and EllenorLions Hospice.

The RSPCA in Windmill Street had a cake stand and tombola, while the British Heart Foundation shop had a face painter in to join the festive celebrations.

A fifth of the number of elves who went was made up by Lawn Road Primary School, with around 200 pupils and staff.

Head teacher Angela Wilson said: "All the children were so excited when we told them about this so we couldn't just bring along the one class, everybody wanted to join.

"They have all had a lovely afternoon and it's great to be able to support the charities in the town as well."

More than 700 other elves marched into Gravesend from businesses and schools in the borough - including Ebbsfleet United, Hatten Wyatt Solicitors, Pride Cleaning, AW Accounting, Network Rail, rail infrastructure firm Spencer, Southeastern, Wrotham Road School, Northfleet Girls, Thamesview School, Holy Trinity school, Little Gems Children's Centre and a team from the Gravesend Messenger.