WEIRD STUFF

World's tallest Christmas tree boasts 1,000 lights

The world's tallest bedded Christmas tree has been named.

At Cragside in Northumberland, England, a Giant Redwood Wellingtonia planted in the 19th century towers at an astonishing 146ft 7in.

The historic tree - already a favourite on the estate - was transformed into a festive spectacle with 1,000 multi-coloured lights and oversized bows shimmering through its branches.

Visitors gathered to witness the glowing giant, now a Guinness World Records holder.

Reflecting on the achievement, Steve Howard, Visitor Operations Manager at Cragside, told Guinness World Records: "It's been quite the year of planning.

"Last year we presented the UK's Tallest Living Christmas Tree, and we kept wondering if we could go one giant leap further and secure a Guinness World Records title... and we made it!"

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German collector shatters world record

A man has extended his world record for his collection of snow globes.

Josef Kardinal, from Nuremberg, Germany, has grown his haul to a staggering 11,017 items.

What began as a single gift in 1984 has transformed into a multi-room archive of swirling memories, from iconic European landmarks to city globes gathered across the world.

Shelves sparkle with rare Disney-licensed editions and themed designs spanning decades of pop culture and travel history.

Josef - whose collection was first officially counted at 6,100 in 2002 - treats each globe like a museum artefact, carefully cleaning and maintaining them so every miniature storm still falls perfectly.

He told Guinness World Records: "Snow globes capture memories, places and feelings. Every one of them tells a story.

"I never expected that a small gift in 1984 would grow into something recognised around the world."

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Sausage dogs shine in festive parade

Hundreds of dachshunds and their owners descended on Hyde Park for the annual sausage dog Christmas walk.

On Sunday, the pooches donned jingling collars and festive outfits as they were walked across the grass.

Now in its eighth year, the event began as a small social experiment. Ana Rodriguez first organised the walk to help her dachshund, Winston, learn how to mingle as a puppy.

It has since ballooned into a full-blown Christmas tradition, with past turnouts reaching nearly a thousand dogs and people.

This year's meeting point was the Physical Energy statue, where owners competed in a best-dressed contest before an hour of enthusiastic play and socialising, followed by the parade itself.

Costumes ranged from charming to deeply impractical, as one dog sported a box to resemble a present on arrival, another appeared as a reindeer pulling a miniature sleigh, while others sported tinsel, scarves, and festive jumpers.