COMPETITORS young and old showed their zest for life during a world record attempt held in Darlington today (Wednesday, July 29).

A series of challenges were staged in the town’s market square for World Record Wednesday.

Contenders took part in a race to peel and eat a lemon, a raw onion eating contest and a cream cracker eating competition.

Victorious competitors were awarded medals and had their names displayed on a board for all to see.

The challenges were part of this year’s Darlington By The Sea initiative.

The popular two week event has seen the market square transformed into a typical seaside resort, with a host of holiday attractions such as fairground rides, games stalls and a giant sandpit with deckchairs.

Organised by Distinct Darlington, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID), other free activities for children during the event included arts and crafts sessions.

Yvonne Preston, of Scrap Studioarts, held a recycled art workshop where children fashioned a mermaid out of old bottle tops.

BID manager Alex Hirst said: “Darlington By The Sea is always a massively popular activity.

“Once again we’re creating not just all the fun of the beach but all the fun of the fair, with some great contests for people to take part in.”

Darlington By The Sea runs until Thursday, August 6. For more information, visit distinctdarlington.co.uk