AN attempt to gain a place in the Guinness Book of Records by creating the longest-ever paper train has run into trouble.

The National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, had joined forces with the British Origami Society to create a paper train that was 1,550 wagons long.

But the record-breaking piece of art has been rejected by Guinness officials because it is too specialised.

The paper train had a specially designed paper version of Stephenson's Rocket at the head.

As part of the bid, folded wagon contributions were sent in from all over the world, including Columbia, the US, Germany, Japan and Honolulu.

Visitors to the National Railway Museum and members of the origami society then added their own wagons and eventually made a train that stretched for 254.82 metres.

But officials from Guinness World Records have rejected the bid to get in the book.

They say the paper train is not eligible for inclusion describing it as too specialised.

"We simply cannot have a record for everything that can possibly be made from origami - animals, trains or otherwise," said their spokesman.

There is currently one recognised category for the world's largest origami crane, set in 1999.

NRM spokeswoman Keira Mheux said: "Naturally we are very disappointed with the news, particularly since so many people worked so hard to create the train, and we genuinely believed that we had fulfilled all of the requirements set by Guinness.

"However, all is not lost because the event was incredibly popular with our visitors, who thoroughly enjoyed making their own wagons to add to the train."

The chairman of the British Origami Society, David Brill, said: "I am disappointed but philosophical about it.

"Even without the Guinness seal of approval, it was a spectacular event.

"The interest and support we received was extraordinary - visitors to the NRM were queuing to take part, so in my mind it was a complete success."

Museum weekend fun- Page 8