A SCHOOLGIRL has set a new world record - by having 25 slimy snails slither over her eyes, nose and mouth.
Tiana Walton, 9, of Pye Corner Farm, Alvanley, is awaiting official confirmation that she is a record breaker for keeping snails on her face.
Guinness Book of Records rules state that the competitor has just one minute to put the snails on their face before tipping their heads forward for 10 seconds.
On Thursday 25 garden snails clung to Tiana’s face, smashing Australian Liam Kenny’s record of 15. Tiana’s previous personal best was nine.
Animal loving Tiana, who next week starts year five at Abbey Gate School, said: "I am not squeamish. It is relaxing but it feels a bit cold. They are quite smelly and you can see their big long eyes facing you. I think my friends at school will say "urgh".
"I might try a different one now, or I would like to go the Olympics and be a gymnast."
Asked whether she thought her new record would be beaten, Tiana added: "I don’t think many people will be bothered about putting snails on their face!"
Setting records runs in the family as Tiana’s mother, Tommy, herself appeared in the Guinness Book Of World Records for growing the largest lemon in the world.
Tommy said: "When I was her age in 1980 I was on the front cover for growing a lemon weighing 3Ib 14oz.
"She was always interested in the book. This was the only record she thought she could break."
Tiana’s dad Simon helped Tommy put the snails on their daughter’s face.
Frodsham solicitor Mike Daly and Alvanley vet Ken Robinson witnessed the attempt and ensured no snails were harmed.
Mr Robinson, who is donating his payment to Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: "It is a superb achievement and all the snails have been treated to a gourmet meal."
