A SEASIDE town is about to go crackers and try to set a new world record.

The annual Christmas shopping event in the Little Chelsea area of Eastbourne has been extended from one day to two this year.

And as part of the celebrations today, the Little Chelsea Traders Association is hoping to get into the record books.

Assembling at 11am, participants armed with crackers will create a chain linking arms from Eastbourne Central Library along Grove Road to the Town Hall and down South Street to The Eagle pub.

The idea is to pull the crackers as the Town Hall clock strikes its 12th strike at midday.

The current record is 1,077 simultaneous cracker pullers and the target is 1,300.

Trader Rupert Ashford says it's a great idea.

He said: "We wanted to do something different and we've certainly achieved that.

"This has got people talking and we're hoping for a great response and to beat the world record.

"That would be great but we also want to show off what great businesses there are in Little Chelsea and why people should come along and support our traders."

He said there is an open invitation for everyone to support the world record attempt.

He said: "Come down and be part of the fun, and if successful and verified by Guinness World Records, everyone will be able to download a certificate of participation and become a record holder.

"Wear your Christmas jumper and Santa hat and start your Christmas celebrations with us."