The longest loaf in the world: Coventry Mercia Round Table, giving effect to an idea by Tom Commander, was responsible in 1975 for a new entry in the Guinness Book of Records, and for the raising of about £4,000 for the RNLI.

Baked by Sunblest, Hednesford, it took 150 Tablers and friends, in turn, 101 hours to carry the 135' 6" loaf the 38 miles to Stoneleigh in time for the opening of the Royal Agricultural Show on June 30.

Highlight of the four-day show was a visit from HRH Prince Charles, who came to the marquee to inspect the loaf for himself..