IT'S official ... staff from a Wirral organisation supporting people with autism have set a new Guinness World record for trampolining after holding a charity bounceathon.

The team of eight, from Autism Together, bounced non-stop for 25 hours during World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 to raise awareness and funds for Autism Together's Respite Appeal and beat the existing world record by one hour.

But they did not know whether they had managed to become 'official world record holders' until last week.

They have now been presented with their official Guinness World Record certificates by the Mayor, councillor Ann McLachlan.

During the course of the challenge team members bounced a total height of 49km, or 5.5 times the height of Mount Everest, at an average of 46 bounces per minute.

The official presentation saw the team take back to the trampoline at Grange Road West Sports Centre in Birkenhead with a welcome speech opening the celebrations from Autism Together's chief executive, Robin Bush.

Each team member was then presented with their individual certificate by the mayor, Cllr Ann McLachlan, who witnessed the marathon challenge when it took place in April.

Autism Together service manager Kevin Mulligan accepted the official organisation certificate on behalf of the team.

Cllr McLachlan said: "It was a privilege to be asked back in our mayoral year after seeing the event in our debut year.

"I think it's a fantastic achievement to raise both awareness and funds and I'm so happy they managed to get the world record after all their hard work."

The charity's activity manager Emma Crabb organised the world record attempt.

She said: "The presentation was an excellent way to recognise our Bounce25 achievement.

"It brought all the team back together and those who supported us in our challenge.

"Myself and the team couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of our world record attempt journey; it really does show what you can do when you put your mind to it."