Woolworths.co.uk Helps Set World Record For Largest Ever Pass The Parcel

LONDON, Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Woolworths has helped Britain set a new world record for the largest ever game of pass the parcel, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.

The giant parcel, created by family superstore Woolworths.co.uk started out the size of a car, weighing 440.9 lbs and measuring 2,500mm in length by 2,250mm in width by 1,500mm in height. It delivered over 10,000 pounds of toys to over 100 families over the course of a 1,125.5 mile two-week tour of the UK, visiting 10 towns and cities in England, Wales and Scotland along the way.

Woolies' snowmen, Stan and Ollie Snow accompanied the parcel, helping to give away some of the most sought after gadgets, games and toys of Christmas 2010.  These included Jet Pack Buzz Lightyears, V Tech Kidizoom Video Cameras, Fur Real Pets and Paper Jamz Guitars, along with many more treats and surprises.

Each of the towns - picked by Woolies according to the best letters of nomination from local families - was invited to tear away one giant wrapping layer and take away some of the gifts inside. 

The tour began in Liverpool and reached its climax in Manchester where the final layer of the parcel was peeled away to reveal the X Factor stars, Jedward.  Each of the twins - real names John and Edward Grimes - was dressed as the toy predicted to be the number one best seller for Christmas: Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear.

Guinness World Records verified the new record following the completion of the road trip in Manchester.  An official adjudicator was present for the start of the record attempt and following receipt of the official documentation gathered throughout the tour, confirmed that the record has now officially been awarded to Woolworths.co.uk.

Woolworths' Dan Rubel, marketing director, said: "Not only has Woolworths.co.uk created the largest ever pass the parcel but we've covered more miles and included more towns and cities than any previous pass the parcel game, giving away some of our best selling toys along the way. It's brilliant to see how much people have loved seeing Woolies back on the high street."

Elizabeth Smith, adjudications executive from Guinness World Records added: "I think this record is a brilliant example of outstanding achievement on a global scale, as well as great generosity, team work... and fun."

Notes to Editors:

Woolies' Record Breaking Pass the Parcel Christmas Adventure travelled to the following UK towns and cities over its ten day trip: Liverpool, Caersws, Dudley, Reading, Littlehampton, Buckingham, Edinburgh, Lancaster and Manchester.

For more information and to see images and video footage of the Guinness World Record Breaking Pass the Parcel as it toured the UK, visit woolworths.co.uk/passtheparcel.

The adventures of Stan and Ollie Snow and their giant parcel can also be followed at facebook.com/woolworthsuk.

About Woolworths

Woolworths is part of Shop Direct Group who is the UK's largest online and home shopping retailer with sales of circa 1.7 billion pounds. The Group has 5m active customers and offers 1000's of big brands across a range of categories including women's clothing, men's clothing, furniture and electricals as well as offering a Christmas toy sale.

Brands within the Shop Direct Group portfolio include Very.co.uk, Littlewoods.co.uk, Littlewoods Ireland, Littlewoods Europe, Additions, Great Universal, Choice, Kays, Empire Stores and Marshall Ward.

Further information

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SOURCE Woolworths