London Manicurists Land a Spot in the Guinness Book

Jack Brockbank, the Guinness World Records adjudicator, presenting Eileen Cavalier, LCBT founder and CEO with the record certificate.

Students at the London College of Beauty Therapy have filed and polished a combined length of 200 meters (656 feet) of fingernails to set a new Guinness World Record. In total, 1,897 men and women took part in the May 13 record attempt held at the college. The record was for the highest number of file and varnishes performed over an eight-hour period.

The event was organized by Eileen Cavalier, LCBT founder and CEO, to help inspire young people to join the industry since, despite the current economic environment, the industry still has many job vacancies with employers in desperate need of highly trained staff. The event also raised money for the Wellbeing of Women medical health charity.

The record attempt involved 1,897 men and women total at the college.

The record attempt began at 11 a.m. with the number of volunteer-clients peaking during lunch and after work. (About 20% of those supporting the cause were men.) Students worked the 108 nail stations throughout the building with the more than two liters (68 fl. oz.) of nail polish donated by Mad Beauty.

Jack Brockbank, the Guinness World Records adjudicator who presented the school with the record certificate, said: "Despite this essentially being a speed record not one of you allowed your quality to suffer."