A RETIRED headteacher has set a new world record by keeping a ferret down his trousers for 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Frank Bartlett, 67, beat the previous record of 5 hours 26 minutes at a fundraising event in Whittington, Staffordshire on Sunday.



Fellow villager Christine Farnsworth joined Bartlett in his efforts and achieved an identical time.



Putting ferrets down trousers as an endurance test is known as "ferret-legging". Barlett's decision to resurrect the unusual sport had previously drawn criticism from the National Ferret School, which argued that Sunday's event would cause the animals unnecessary stress and discomfort.



However, Bartlett had dismissed the accusations by insisting that the ferrets would be placed in baggy trousers and "would probably go to sleep" during the challenge.



The ferret-legging day ultimately raised over £1,000 for the Whittington Community First Responders group.

Originally published as Man breaks ferret down pants record