Poker players go for longest game

The players hope to go on for more than 42 hours

A group of poker players is attempting to set a new world record for the longest uninterrupted game.

The 24 players began their endurance bid on Friday night in a club in Greenwich, south-east London, and must keep going for more than 42 hours.

Each entrant has put £20 in the pot, with the winner taking half of the money and the rest going to charity.

After 37 hours, player Sarah Lawrence said: "We're playing like madmen and bouncing off the walls."

'Frayed tempers'

The first hand was dealt at 2100 GMT at the Basement Jacks club and the game is expected to continue until 1600 on Sunday.

Ms Lawrence said she was keeping awake with energy drinks, brief walks to stretch her legs and watching classic poker movies.

"We've been up all night and the only break you're allowed is to go to the toilet or get something to eat," she said.

"We're going for 43 hours or maybe more.

"We've been through all the emotions. We started off just really high and really happy about being record breakers.

"Then we went through vague tiredness and there were a few frayed tempers and a bit of grumpiness.

"Now we're playing like madmen and bouncing off the walls. But there's a tired determination to keep going."