A WINDOW cleaner is attempting to wipe out a world record that has stood for nearly a decade.

Darren Ansbro, from Thornaby, is trying to become the world’s fastest window cleaner.

The 39-year-old, known locally as Dennis, has been cleaning windows for the last 20 years, and has now set his sights on becoming the quickest in his trade at The Cleaning Show at London’s ExCel on Tuesday.

The current world record is held by Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows, who cleaned three large windows of just over a metre high in just 9.14 seconds, which included a one second penalty for leaving two water marks.

The Northern Echo: Stockton window cleaner Darren Ansbro who is attempting to break a world record to be the fastest window cleaner. Picture: TOM BANKS

Stockton window cleaner Darren Ansbro who is attempting to break a world record to be the fastest window cleaner. Picture: TOM BANKS

“I filled in the form online, and then the phone call came,” said Mr Ansbro.

“It has only been the last two weeks that I have started to think about it seriously – it feels totally different now.

“It was my uncle that first came to me and said why don’t you become a window cleaner?

“I’ve still got the passion – one day I want to move to big buildings and do abseiling.”

Turbo broke the record in Blackpool in 2009, which was tenth of a second faster than his previous best time set four years earlier, also in Blackpool.

Mr Ansbro will be one of dozens of window cleaners attempting to set a new benchmark.

“The last I heard there was 18 people taking part, but that number could have gone up since.

“I don’t know if I will be able to do it, but one thing’s for sure, with the experience from this year, I’ll come back next year and do it, mark my words.”

Mr Ansbro’s top tips for cleaning windows include using both a dry and a damp cloth, washing the inside horizontally and the outside vertically, and using a cheap soap.

He has received plenty of support from family and friends for his work record bud, none more so than from his wife, Julia.

“Everyone keeps patting me on the back and wishing me luck – I feel like royalty.

“People will be calling me Harry Potter next – I am the wizard of Stockton.”

Paul Thrupp, world record judge, said: “Terry has done amazingly well to hang on to his record for this long but there’s always a chance of an upset.”