Massive taekwondo display by KPMG staff sets new world record‎

Martial arts fans across the UK kicked and punched their way into the history books on Friday, when a new world record was set for the largest Taekwondo display (multiple venues). A record-setting 805 participants from Professional services firm KPMG took part in the attempt across the country which helped raise over £50,000 for children's charity Barnardo's.

The biggest group was at Canary Wharf in London's Docklands, where 332 staff massed in Montgomery Square. Encouraged by Cheryl Baker and accompanied by Craig Brown and Stephanie Allen of the GB Olympic taekwondo team, the group performed a ten-minute routine while being watched by a crowd of enthusiastically supportive onlookers.

In total, there were eleven locations involved in the attempt across the UK, with synchronised events in Birmingham (119), Bristol (32), Gatwick (36), Glasgow (32), Leeds (48), Manchester (74), Newcastle (32), Nottingham (34), Reading (32), and Watford (34). Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd was among those helping to break the record in Glasgow.

Following the routine, the actor said: "It's been a privilege to be involved with today's record-breaking effort. Everyone taking part has had a lot of fun raising money for such a worthwhile cause. By setting this new world record, KPMG have helped raised awareness for Barnardo's and the great work they do with young people."