ILLUSIONIST David Blaine's endurance challenge was dismissed yesterday by the family of a shipyard worker who fasted for almost twice as long.

In 1936, George Fairfield, of Sunderland, survived for 72 days on nothing but water and cigarettes, starving himself in public to help raise money.

The once burly shipbuilder emerged a seven stone wreck and spent almost all the cash he earned from his ordeal on hospital treatment in an attempt to recover his health.

He later met and married his sweetheart, giving up fasting as a mug's game, and lived through to old age.

His family are unimpressed by the 30-year-old illusionist's plan to spend a mere 44 days in a perspex box without food.

Mr Fairfield's son, also George, of Sunderland, said: "My father managed 72 days, one hour and 15 seconds, and that was 67 years ago."

Mr Fairfield, who died in 1964, endure two 42-day fasts in South Shields before having another go in 1936 at an exhibition in Blackpool.

Like David Blaine, who is presently suspended in his box over the River Thames, thousands of people flocked to marvel at Mr Fairfield's stamina and endurance, paying 2s 6d each for the privilege.

Officials at the Guinness Book of World Records said neither Mr Fairfield's or David Blaine's challenges would be documented.

A spokeswoman said: "We do not record challenges which could be viewed as life threatening."