Beach attempt to break world record for bikini-clad beauties fails as 'only 42' turn up

A bid to set a new world record for the number of women being photographed wearing bikinis in one place failed, after only 42 of the required 1,924 turned up.

Only 42 of the required 1,924 turned up
Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

Two of the participants Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

Some of the contestants go for a run along the beach Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

Organisers of the attempted record busting Bikini Beach Bash 2 said not enough people turned up to set a new record Photo: PA

Some of the participants pose for photographs Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

A poor weather forecast in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, was blamed for the disappointing turnout.

Organisers had hoped to enter the record books by getting more than 1,923 women wearing swimwear on the sands of the Essex seaside town, beating the number reached in Russia last year.

One said that only 42 had turned out to raise money for Southend Hospital's breast cancer appeal, the oldest of whom was in her 80s.

Debbie Reynolds, 23, said she thought they would at least break the UK record of 320.

She said: "It was sunny and everything, so we thought we'd get a good turnout, but it was very sad when we realised that 42 was the grand total.

"It's pretty rubbish I must admit. We really need to try harder.

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Only 42 of the required 1,924 turned up Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

Two of the participants Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

Some of the contestants go for a run along the beach
Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

"It made be feel pretty embarrassed to be British when we can't even mount a decent challenge."

Tracy Jones added: "I don't think the terrible weather yesterday and forecast today helped.

Some of the participants pose for photographs Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

"It was a beautiful day but I think a lot of people made up their minds yesterday."