Grande abraço

The huge embrace was organised in Parque Tolteca in Guadalupe, a suburb of the northern metropolis of Monterrey.

Maria Olivia Chu, a government representative, confirmed the participation of 8,402 children.

The children joined arms in a long chain, in the shape of a spiral, in a park for more than a minute, so that the official could register the hug.

'We broke the previous Guinness record held by the city of Chihuahua,' said Guadalupe Mayor Cristina Diaz Salazar. She said the embrace was organised to 'promote values of love and friendship'.