A Thorpe St Andrew teenager who spent more than 30 hours battling enemy snipers on the front line has earned himself a place in the Guinness World Record books . . . by playing a computer game marathon.

Craig Johnson, 19, was one of four console-playing soldiers who spent a total of 33 hours playing Call of Duty4: Modern Warfare at Newbury Racecourse earlier this month.

The marathon shoot-up meant Mr Johnson, who is originally from Thorpe St Andrew but now studies at York University, together with the rest of his platoon, smashed the previous world best of 32 hours and 20 minutes, set by a team of American gamers last year.

Mr Johnson, who is studying maths and economics at university, said: 'It feels great to be a record breaker. The team worked so hard and we were all shattered by the end.

'But after a few hours' sleep it feels great to have achieved the new world best and a place in the record books. It was well worth the effort.'

Mr Johnson and fellow students Sam Smith, Steve Weavis and Thomas Stilliard, started their record-breaking attempt at 9am on Friday, November 12 and finally finished playing at 6pm on Saturday, November 13, some 40 minutes after the previous best.

They were only allowed one 10-minute break every hour as they chased down the target time, meaning it was a mental as well as physical test of endurance.

The world record attempt was set up by burger giants Rustlers, who actively promote gaming, and took place at the Insomnia41gaming extravaganza.

Mr Johnson and his fellow students were presented with their certificate, confirming the world record, by Gaz Deaves, Guinness World Records gaming editor. Mr Johnson's world record-breaking efforts have helped continue Thorpe St Andrew's association with the Guinness Book of World Records.

In 2009, Shaun Jones was at the Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre at Pound Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, where he attempted to smash two world records.

Mr Jones, from Wroxham, attempted the fastest hot water bottle burst as well as trying to lift more than 40,000kg, the weight of a ship or bridge, in one hour of squat lifts.

Have you won a place in the record books after completing an unusual world record attempt? Call Evening News reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk