A pub landlord is believed to have set a new world record for the largest gathering of Nigels in one place last night - in a last ditch bid to stop the name dying out.

Nigel Smith, 56, came up with the idea in 2016 after no newborns were called Nigel that year.

In response a total of 432 Nigels from all over the world got together at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire, for an evening of Nigel-themed refreshment and entertainment.

Nigels and families gather at the event to celebrate their name as it dies out across the world

Attendees brought photo ID and signed the 'the book of Nigel' to make a list for Guinness to verify their new record.

Nigel Smith, 56, came up with the idea in 2016 after no newborns were called Nigel that year

Nigel said: 'It started as a laugh to get Nigels together. We are going extinct in 2019. There were no Nigels registered in 2016 so I thought it would be a good idea to get us all together.

'But as a child of the sixties it takes me a while to get around to things. As the idea grew I decided to host this event and go for the record.

'In the year I was born, 1963, there were over 5,000 Nigels born. It was peak Nigel.

'It was so ubiquitous and it became much-maligned. At school I used to have the mickey taken out of me. I've got two children and none are called Nigel.

'I think names are cyclical and it's gone out of fashion. A lot of people don't like the name.

'It's possible the Nigel who shall not be named, Nigel Farage, has had an impact.

'A man who changed his name from Nigel to Niall came and we convinced him to pull himself together.

432 Nigels from all over the world got together at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcs., for an evening of Nigel-themed refreshment and entertainment

Nigel claps his hands (centre), Nigel takes a photo (right), Nigel smiles for the camera (back right)

'We raised money for the British Heart Foundation because us Nigels are getting to a certain age.'

Nigel said he was thrilled with the level of interest from around the world to his idea - and hoped it could spark a revival of his favourite name.

He added: 'I put out a press release to local media and since then it's gone viral around the UK. I've been on two Australian and one New Zealand radio station.

The 432 Nigels wait, some queuing to enter the venue, held at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire

'A total of 432 Nigels turned up. One Nigel from California happened to be in the UK and came and another travelled over from Texas.

'People also came from all over the country - from Newcastle, Cornwall and even a few from Scotland.

'There wasn't space in the pub, so we all gathered in a marquee outside.

'We're trying to get more Nigels into the world. A nine-month-old Nigel came.

'My partner Tash, 40, an events manager, thinks it's hilarious and has been very supportive. But she'll be pleased to get her own Nigel back.

One Nigel from California happened to be in the UK and came and another travelled over from Texas

The event grew so big the pub landlord had to have the gathering in a marquee outside

'A band of two Nigels played songs by or about Nigels and there was a comedian called Nigel.

'We renamed our scrumpy cider Narky Nigel and had four specially-brewed ales from our suppliers: Nigel, NigAle, Mad Nigel and Nigel's Best.

'It was a great evening.'