A POKER enthusiast is hoping to smash a world record as part of a fundraising effort for Help for Heroes.

Barry Denson aged 40, from Farnworth, will try to break the Guinness World Record for the “longest marathon poker playing by an individual”.

He said: “Being an ex-Territorial Army soldier, I am pleased to be able to raise money for such a worthy cause. I served for five years, so this charity means a lot to me.”

Mr Denson will have to beat the record of 115 hours held by Phil Laak, who achieved it in Las Vegas in 2010.

The attempt, on July 1 at G Casino in Manchester, only allows Mr Denson to take a five-minute break every hour, but these can be stacked for longer breaks.

He said: “I intend playing for four hours and taking 20- minute power naps.

The biggest challenge will be finding enough players to play me.”