Morris dancer set for 11-hour world record attempt

A man who is attempting to break the world record for the longest Morris dance said he chose the challenge because he "didn't fancy" climbing Everest or rowing the Atlantic.

Duncan Bhaskaran Brown will try to dance for more than 11 hours straight during his record attempt in Abingdon on Saturday.

He estimates that the challenge will see him take 100,000 steps and burn about 6,000 calories.

"There's no training plan for endurance Morris dancing, so we've had to write the book," he said.

On why he is attempting the challenge, he told the BBC: "I didn't fancy Everest or rowing the Atlantic but I thought endurance Morris dancing was something I could very much do - it all grew from there."

He said while he enjoys the dancing, he "particularly loves the community that goes with it", as well as the "places we end up dancing".

"And don't forget the silly hats, I love a silly hat," he said.

The attempt will begin at 05:00 BST in Abingdon Market Square, and has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records.

It is also a fundraiser for two local charities, One Planet Abingdon, which fights climate change and promotes sustainability, and the Abingdon and District Volunteer Centre.

"It'll be nice to see people cheering me on and supporting our amazing charities," he said.

"Even so, I expect the last few hours to be somewhat uncomfortable - I'll do my best to grin an bear it."

Abingdon has a deep-rooted history of Morris dancing tradition, with the earliest newspaper record dating back to 1722.

"Abingdon has a wonderful, energetic dancing style, as well as a historic tradition and amazing people," Mr Bhaskaran Brown added.

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