Sydney Swimwear Parade Fails to Break World Record

Famous for its beautiful beaches, it's not unusual to see residents and tourists alike wearing swimwear in Sydney but the number of people stripping off in Australia's second city almost broke new records yesterday.

Hundreds of Sydneysiders took to the streets to try and set a new record for the world's largest swimwear parade in a bid to raise funds for charity.

However, the official Guinness World Record, recently wrestled from former holders Las Vegas by a South African parade that saw 287 swimwear enthusiasts turn out, couldn't quite match up in numbers, in spite of authorities hoping thousands would strip off in the sunshine.

Australia's love of Speedo-style swimwear, known as 'budgie smugglers' and bikinis saw hundreds of businessmen and city workers ditch their office clothes to take part in the event. They gathered on the steps of the city's iconic Sydney Opera House to pose for the world's media.