A MUM and daughter proved what an amazing bond they have – by hugging for a world record 27 hours.

Alison and Beth Cottriall smashed the time for the longest hug by remaining in each other's arms for an amazing 27 hours and 27 minutes – beating the previous best by over an hour.

The pair, from Tyldesley, cosied up from noon on Friday, October 2, until 3.27pm the next day to collect cash and boost the profile of Wigan-based disability advocacy charity Embrace.

Mum Alison, 41, said: "We wanted to do something for Embrace and their name gave me the idea. We looked online to see the record for the most people hugging, but it was over 10,000 and that would be tough to do in Tyledsley!

"We decided to try the longest hug instead. The record was 26 hours, so we decided to go for 27 hours 27 minutes and really smash it."

Alison uses Embrace for her son Tyler, three, who has learning difficulties, and the pair staged their marathon cuddle at the New2You charity shop she runs in aid of the charity.

They were allowed five minutes off each hour for food and toilet breaks, and had to have two independent witnesses present at all times

Alison added: "The Market Snack Bar provided us with food to get us through the night and we played silly games to make each other laugh and keep our minds occupied. We also had buckets of cold water to stand in during the breaks to ease our aching feet."

Travel consultant Bethany, 20, was even sick due to the exertion, but the pair battled on until they reached their target and then celebrated.... with a hug.

"We couldn't let go of each other and we were crying," said Alison. "It was very emotional when we finished the countdown and we were both suffered with sore backs, legs and feet."

The existing record was 26 hours 26 minutes and 26 seconds set by 26 couples in Pattaya, Thailand, in February 2014.

Evidence of the Cottrialls' fantastic feat has been sent off to Guinness World Records and the money raised by donations is still being counted.

Martin Davies, from Embrace, said: "“What a fantastic achievement, we are all really proud of both Alison and Bethany for having completed over 27 hours of continuous hugging in aid of raising awareness of our charity who help to support local people with disabilities and their families. ”