Ammanford’s huge elf gathering confirmed as world’s biggest (From South Wales Guardian)

Ammanford’s huge elf gathering confirmed as world’s biggest

8:00am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News

IT’S official – Ammanford has earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s largest gathering of Santa’s elves!

The Guardian can exclusively reveal that Guinness has confirmed Ammanford’s total of 762 elves – who gathered in Quay Street on Saturday, November 17 – well and truly smashed the existing world record of 607 set by ABC Family Studios in New York in 2009.

The official entry in the next edition of Guinness Book Of World Records will read: “The largest gathering of Santa’s elves consisted of 762 participants and was achieved by Ammanford Town Centre (UK) in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, UK, on November 17, 2012.”

News the record had been ratified came in an email to organiser Gail Jones, community liaison officer for Quay Street contractors Alun Griffiths, who had been “on tenterhooks” for the past three months.

“I started screaming, my dog started barking and my daughter came running down the stairs,” she told the Guardian.

“I’m absolutely chuffed to bits – it’s such an amazing thing for a little place like Ammanford to have achieved.

“The whole town pulled together quite magnificently and words can’t express how pleased I am for everyone who made this possible. Special thanks must go to the town council, Carmarthenshire County Council and the townspeople themselves.”

Ammanford mayor Paula Treharne told the Guardian she was “ecstatic.” She added: “I came into work with a blazing headache but this news has made my day – well done Ammanford!”

Ms Jones will present the world record certificate to town councillors shortly.

The town may re-stage the event next November in a bid to break its own world record.

“If Ammanford wants me to help I’ll be there like a shot!” vowed Ms Jones.