HUNDREDS of people have smashed a world record in Southampton today - all while dressed up as princesses!

• Mayflower Princess World Record - in pictures >>

The Mayflower Theatre asked as many people to come down in costume to help break the record for the highest number of princesses in one place.

In total, 537 princesses - men, women and children - turned up in long flowing gowns, crowns and tiaras.

That smashed the previous record of 351.

Joe Pasquale, star of this year's panto Aladdin, had the honour of announcing the achievement to the fabulously dressed crowd.

The record will now be verified by Guinness World Records.

During the event entertainment was provided Mayflower Theatre’s Musical Youth Theatre, just one of the community education projects provided by Mayflower Engage.

Mayflower CEO, Michael Ockwell, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we had so many princesses of all ages, men women and children. Community engagement is a really important aspect of our work and it was great to see the community coming together to break this record.

"We are incredibly proud of everyone that attended and would like to thank each and every record breaker who took part”

Due to the attempt being an official Guinness World Record attempt there were strict rules which had to be adhered to - all those taking part had to wear a long traditional princess dress and a crown or tiara.

Daily Echo:

Tickets for the event, were £5 per person and all money raised will be equally split between Mayflower Engage and Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity.

Pam Bates, Fundraising Manager at Countess Mountbatten said: “We were thrilled to be part of this brilliant event which I know really captured everyone’s imagination. I am absolutely thrilled that we have smashed the target.”