World records bookworm sets new world record for most world records

Stats fan Martyn Tovey has set a new world record - for owning the most world records.

Bookworm Martyn, 57, has spent more than 40 years hoarding the biggest collection of Guinness World Records annuals.

He now has a staggering 353 individual annuals from around the world and an incredible 2,164 items of memorabilia.

Both of these figures have secured Martyn a place in his beloved annual, the latest Guinness World Records.

He started his collection in 1968 when he won the Guinness World Records as a school prize.

In 1971 his mum gave him the book for Christmas and she has bought him the annual every year since.

Since then, the computer security consultant has spent years tracking down copies of the earlier editions for his collection.

Martyn, who lives with wife Fran, near Radstock, Somerset, has filled his cupboards with books and memorabilia spanning 60 years of the iconic brand.

He now has so much that a lot of his has been packed aways in storage.

Martyn said: 'My interest in the books was driven by a childhood obsession with facts and figures.

'The books gave me a fantastic reference guide, which was updated with the latest data every year.

'I asked for one for Christmas and have had one every year since. Hopefully I will get one this year.'

'My favourite is the 1960 edition with handwritten corrections by Norris McWhirter, whilst the strangest is perhaps a 'Sportsman Set' consisting of a bottle of aftershave and a Guinness paperback book.

'I find out about special editions from around the world and try and track them down.

'There is no comprehensive list as a lot of companies commissioned Guinness to make books.

'Alongside the main annuals, I collect toys, games, spin-off publications, novelty items and promotional material have all been produced since the early 1960s.

'I have not got a clue how much I have spent, I daren't guess.'

His incredible collection has now been recognised by Guinness who have awarded him the title of 'Largest collection of Guinness World Records Memorabilia' and 'Largest Collection of Guinness World Records Annuals'.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief, said 'We've been monitoring record-breaking collections for years, and we cover everything from airline boarding passes to zebras.

'But it wasn't until this year, when we met Martyn, that we realised we should open a category for the largest collection of Guinness World Records books.’