IT was a bit of a squeeze, but 17 people managed to set an unofficial record by jamming themselves into one of the world's smallest cars.

Staff at Rycroft Mercedes Benz, in Stockton, were not exactly sitting comfortably in the Smart car but their feat has raised £1,000 for Children in Need.

The official record for the number of people in a Smart car is 16 and that accolade is held by the Chinese state circus.

Bob Olone, Smart manager at the garage, said: "We are pleased we managed to fit 17 people into the car but the record is unofficial.

"However, we know we did it and we have managed to raise £1,000 for Children in Need in the process."

The bright red Smart car was custom designed for the event and fully liveried with Pudsey and paw prints.