AN ANDOVER couple broke a kite world record by almost double in Portsmouth this month.

Allan and Marilyn Pothecary have set the world record for the number of Trilobite kites flown at the same time over the weekend of August 13-14.

As previously reported by this paper the previous world record was claimed by a group of American flyers with 12 kites up in the air at the same time.

The couple, of Eardley Avenue, decided to take on the challenge with the help of kite flyers from the United Kingdom and Holland.

The grandparents-of-two broke the record by almost double with 21 kites up in the air on Saturday afternoon.

The former five times British Experienced Pairs kite display team managed to get most of the kites to fly in an area of 100 metres by 80 metres.

Only one of the kites was flown in an area adjacent to the main one.

The kites were in the form of a trilobite – a fossil group of extinct marine arthropods.

The retired couple took the challenge to the international annual Portsmouth Kite Festival.

Mr Pothecary said: “Well we were pleased obviously. The challenge is out there now.

“It’s there to be set, perhaps we’ll have another go if somebody else breaks it.

“It’s more of a friendly rivalry than a competition, that’s what kite flying is about. It’s a bit of fun.”

They were even asked by the organisers to recreate their award-winning synchronised kite ballet.

Their performances were seen by thousands and managed to land on the final note of the crescendo – without crashing.

Both Mr and Mrs Pothecary said that they enjoyed the event and its ‘chilled out’ atmosphere.

Although they have retired from competitive kite flying, the duo run a website, Close Encounters, coaching other wouldbe kite flyers.

Mr Pothecary, a columnist for various kite magazines, added: “A big thanks to everyone that turned up and took part in the mass Trilobite attempt at Portsmouth this weekend and thanks to the Kite Society for giving a slot in the timetable both days.

“We believe this to be a new record, it’s there as a challenge for all comers, kites strung out along a long beach won’t count,” he added.

The retired sales consultant added that the American Kite Flyer’s Association had contacted him shortly after the event and let him know they intend to break the record.

Mr Pothecary said: “Looks like the challenge.” For more information on the kite coaching couple, click here