Gary beats the beat record

Exhausted Staffordshire drummer Gary Partridge has pounded his way into the record books by playing continuously longer than anyone in history.

The marathon man resembled a Duracell bunny as he kept going for a staggering 104 hours at the company he runs with cousin Gavin Watson, Secelec UK Ltd at Rumer Hill Business Estate, Cannock.

Gary's monumental effort, which has raised around £2,500 for Comic Relief, began on Friday and ended at 4pm yesterday. He was allowed only 15-minute cat naps every five hours.

The father-of-two from Norton Canes, who has been a drummer for more than 20 years, beat the previous record of 102.5 hours and will now get an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. He has played in several rock groups over the years and keeps himself fit as a second dan black belt in kick boxing.

Speaking as Gary banged out the final beats, Gavin said: "He's very tired. I think he'll sleep for about two weeks after this."