Monopoly players set new record

London secured a red space in the game's world edition

About 500 people in London have helped set a new world record for the largest simultaneous game of Monopoly.

At least 2,500 people from 22 cities around the world joined forces to play the game, organisers confirmed.

The venture - which involved players from as far as Tokyo and Atlantic City - was being beamed live to fellow competitors in London's Covent Garden.

Organisers said once online players were taken into account, the total number of players could rise to 5,000.

A definitive total will be confirmed by the end of the week, they said.

Players bought and sold properties on Monopoly's online site, mobile phone and game console versions as well.

The hour-long attempt - the first of its kind - to set a Guinness world record began at 1500 BST in London on Wednesday.