Shropshire fitness fanatic in Guinness Book of Records

World records were achieved for a host of weird and wonderful feats at a ceremony to launch this year's Guinness Book of Records - including one set by a Shropshire fitness fanatic.

The launch of the 2011 edition in London saw Stephen Buttler, from Weston-under-Lizard, near Shifnal, join other record holders during an event in the capital yesterday.

Stephen, who has previously smashed records for the most squats on a fit ball in one minute, the most squats on a fit ball in an hour and the most bench dips in a minute, is the holder of the world record for the most clap press-ups in a minute - 73.

Also at the ceremony was Swallow the cow, from West Yorkshire, who has been crowned the world's smallest cow at 33ins (0.8m) from hind to foot. Caroline Ryder, Swallow's happy owner from Rishworth, said: "Celebrity does not sit that well on Swallow's shoulders. She'll spend the day where she's happiest, in the middle of the herd grazing."

Also topping the list was Puggy the dog, who slobbered his way into the record books - despite being left for dead by his previous owners because of his odd appearance.

The 10-year-old Pekingese, whose tongue is officially longer than any other dog, licked the competition to secure a spot in the Guinness World Records 2011 after judges were told his 4.5in (11.43cm) tongue was almost as long as his entire body.

His owner Becky Stanford, from Texas, said: "From being a stray dog to being a Guinness World Record Holder is just phenomenal."