Man holds record thanks to Guinness World Record book collection

A man who holds two Guinness World Records thanks to his love of the award’s annuals said he never thought he would make it into the book himself.

Martyn Tovey, from Radstock in Somerset, got his first Guinness World Record book as a school prize in 1968, aged 11.

His mum went on to get him a new edition every year for Christmas and he now has 816 annuals and 3,089 pieces of memorabilia.

His collection has secured him two records in the 70th anniversary edition for 2025 – for the largest collection of Guinness World Record memorabilia and the largest collection of its annuals.

Mr Tovey beat his own records, having set the originals in 2014 when he had 2,164 items of memorabilia and 358 annuals.

“If, as an 11-year-old, I would have been told I’d be in the book I wouldn’t have believed you,” Mr Tovey said.

He said he was “fascinated” by facts and figures, particularly involving athletes.

“My favourite record of all time was in 1968 at the Olympics, when Bob Beamon broke the long jump record,” he said. “For him to beat it not just by half an inch [1.2cm] but by almost two feet [60cm] was absolutely incredible.”

Mr Tovey said the books are not just for show, and he enjoys reading them.

He added: “The records in the book nowadays are different from the original facts and figures. There’s more records about people achieving things, that makes the book more interesting.”

Mr Tovey added that his family does not share his passion for the annuals.

“I think my wife tolerates it,” he added.

“She’s happy I’m happy so as long as we’re both happy, everything is good.”