The strip will take up to three days to complete

Trafalgar Square is to be the scene of a comic world record attempt which will depict the history of London.

Sixteen of the UK's leading cartoon artists, including the world's fastest, will for the next few days be trying to create the world's largest ever cartoon strip.

They will gather at the central London square for the event, which is part of the London Comedy Festival that runs from 15 - 25 May.

All money raised from sponsorship will go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's' Charity.

The cartoon strip will be 90 metres wide and two metres tall and each artist will complete a five metre wide panel influenced by London's history.

Sections of the strip, which will be unveiled on Wednesday or Thursday, will also be sold off for charity.

Those that joined the many cartoonists from the national press include Martin Rowson, London's 'cartoonist Laureate' and contributor to many publications, Matt Buck winner of Young Cartoonist Of the Year 2001 and John Byrne from children's channel Nickelodeon - the fastest cartoonist in the world.

A special hoarding has been put up by the developers of Trafalgar Square to carry the cartoon, which is supported by the Mayor of London and sponsored by Lion Bar, Her Majesty's Prison Service and the Metropolitan Police.