SWEET-toothed shoppers at Swindon's WH Smith store were given a chance to make their mark on history by smashing the world record for eating Smarties using a pair of chopsticks.

The have-a-go contestants were attempting to better the record set by current holder Robert Moncreiff, of Hampshire, who downed 83 Smarties in three minutes.

But none of the contestants at the Regent Street store were successful.

Lisa Heyes, spokeswoman for Guinness Book of Records, said: "It is not as easy as it looks, but it is fun having a go.

"We have been holding similar attempts to break the world record at various stores around the country and we have not had a winner yet."

Strict rules were applied to all attempts on Saturday. Chocolates must be carried to the mouth with the chopsticks one at a time.

Two official witnesses looked on, one acting as official time-keeper and the other ensuring that each contestant's mouth was clear of Smarties at the end of their three minutes.