Portishead children are proud holders of a world record after their remarkable efforts finally verified by organisers.

Members of performing arts group Stagecoach Portishead took part in an international celebration of the organisation’s 30-year anniversary in hope of securing a coveted Guinness World Record.

The Portishead branch and 72 other Stagecoach schools across the globe last summer simultaneously performed Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, and independent adjudicators have at last confirmed a new benchmark has been set.

The children, who performed their version at Gordano School, are now the proud holders of the record for largest simultaneous performance of one show.

Fae McIntyre and Olivia Kennard, principals of Stagecoach Portishead, said: “We are thrilled to receive this news; this is something the students can be proud of for years to come.”