A GROUP of students are making a college campus their home as they aim to game for 48 hours – breaking two world records in the process.

The students have set up in East Durham College’s students’ union on the Peterlee campus, as they look to break the gamathon (correct) world record.

Several students from a wide range of courses across the college are taking part in the attempt which began at 11am yesterday (Tuesday, March 31) and will last until noon tomorrow Thursday April 2.

A team of five students broke the Minecraft record of 24hr 10mins at 11.10am this morning (Wednesday, April 1) and will press on until noon tomorrow (Thursday).

Students Ryan Hollis, 16, and Jordan Smurthwaite, 17, who devised the event, are attempting to break the Runescape record of 48 hours. The whole attempt is being live-streamed on the internet.

Jordan said: "I am shattered. Not only do we have to stay awake, we have to stay focussed as well. You need lots of concentration for the games we have chosen."

The attempt was set up to raise money for the SpecialEffect charity.

SpecialEffect, the gamers’ charity, was set up in 2007 and helps people with disabilities access mainstream video games.

They build special adaptive equipment with a belief that using technology to enhance the quality of life to people with physical disability.

East Durham College Student Liaison Officer, Jamie Calford said: “This is really a unique attempt and is a really exciting occasion.

“A great thanks goes to everyone who has helped get this attempt up and running and hopefully we will be able to raise some money for a great cause in SpecialEffect.”

A livestream of the event it will be running at www.facebook.com/EastDurhamSU.