A Warwickshire vicar hopes to get into the Guiness Book of Records after preaching non-stop for 48 hours.

Leamington Spa vicar and BBC Radio WM broadcaster the Reverend Mervyn Roberts finished his 48-hour sermon at 0800 BST on Thursday.

Mr Roberts, from Bishop's Tachbrook, near Leamington Spa, worked his way through the Bible.

Mr Roberts was allowed meal breaks every 15 minutes but was not allowed to sleep.

Sue Roberts had faith in her husband

He attempted to break the record once before, but was forced to pull out on medical advice after he fell ill during the night.

Mr Roberts' wife, Sue Roberts, told the BBC's Midlands Today programme: "The Bible is a very long book and a very deep book and Mervyn has got a reputation for being able to talk."

No nonsense

Last year, a vicar in Lancashire talked his way into the Guinness Book of Records by delivering the longest non-stop sermon.

The Reverend Chris Sterry, vicar at Whalley in Lancashire, broke the previous record for an unscripted speech of 27 hours and 30 minutes by carrying out a marathon 36-hour sermon at his parish church.

He was not allowed to repeat himself, talk nonsense, or pause for more than 10 seconds.

A spokeswoman for the Guiness Book of Records said that if the 48-hour sermon was verified then it would be a new world record.