World's biggest 'co-operative' hug is a record breaker

Co-operatives now hold the record for the world's largest hug!

Peru's savings and credit co-operative Santa Maria Magdalena brought together 10,738 Peruvians for the recording breaking hug, which demonstrated a message of integration and solidarity.

Thousands of families and couples embraced an noon for ten seconds in Cumana Stadium, Ayacucho, to secure the Guinness World Record.

Ralph Hannah, representative of Guinness World Records (GWR) for Latin America, said: "The entire crowd in the stands and employees of the Cooperative and distinguished guests abrazon a great show of love and brotherhood, a total of 10,738 people or 5,369 pairs. Ayacucho will now be known as the capital of brotherhood and of course the hug!"

The adjudicator oversaw the entry of all participants, who were automatically accounted for through the scanning of a barcoded ticket.