A BLACK Country band braved the blisteringly scorching weather to smash the world record for the longest musical busk.

The Empty Can, who penned last year’s Black Country anthem, I Vow Thee Black Country, performed in Dudley town centre for a staggering 24 hours and 30 minutes, in temperatures topping 29°c.

The marathon stint was to mark the start of the Black Country Festival and crowds gathered throughout the day and night to watch the band, who were also joined by local buskers.

At the end of the challenge, lead singer James Stevens and guitarist Steve Henley stepped off their makeshift stage - at the foot of the Duncan Edwards statue - to rapturous applause.

Mr Stevens, who is also one of the Black Country Festival organisers, said: “It feels great to have achieved something so amazing, but it was really hard going.

"The hot weather yesterday was unbearable but the people we had here to support us throughout the day and night was incredible.”

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, described the band entering the record books as an "amazing achievement".

He added: “This shows the lengths people in the Black Country are prepared to go to, to celebrate the pride and community spirit that we have in the Black Country.

"We’re now really looking forward to building on this fantastic community spirit during the hundreds of celebrations we have going on throughout the Black Country Festival.”

The music marathon, which began at 9.30am yesterday (Tuesday June 30), also raised money for homeless charity Black Country YMCA.