For this week's newsletter-only story, we've decided to look at the record holders of Cowbridge. From cycling to singing, here are some of the record breakers from our town.

Fastest circumnavigation of the globe by tandem bicycle

Former Cowbridge pupil Lloyd Collier and Louis Snellgrove, from Leeds, completed this feat over 281 days and 22 hours in 2019.

The friends, who worked as doctors in Australia, embarked on their epic journey to fulfil a boyhood ambition for adventure and to also raise money for Spinal Research and the Brain Foundation.

"The entire journey was littered with mechanical failures and makeshift repairs. Cycling through India in particular, we became incredibly inventive in fixing mechanical components in non-conventional ways," Lloyd told Guinness World Records.

Their journey was made unsupported and the two antipodal points they passed through were Madrid, Spain, and Wellington, New Zealand.

Lloyd said the trip was inspired by his uncle Alun, who passed away the year before.

"Despite being confined to a wheelchair, nothing stood in his way and he mastered many skills even water-skiing despite being in a wheelchair," he told the Gem.

"Alun was and remains my inspiration in life and he has inspired me to cycle around the world for spinal research."

Largest song and dance routine held at multiple locations

On 23 June 2012, the three South Wales Rock Choirs gathered in Cowbridge to join in the Guinness World Record attempt for the most people singing and dancing all at the same time.

They performed 'When You're Gone' by Bryan Adams and Mel C across the UK.

Each member of Rock Choir who was performing had a ticket which they had to drop in to a bucket when entering the performance area.

They were also counted by two people and all of this was closely monitored by two officials.

Despite poor weather causing some concern before things got underway, the event was a success. In total, 7,914 rock choir members took part across the UK, securing the record.

One million kilograms lifted in one day

In 2018, Josh Llewellyn-Jones completed the Herculean task of lifting one million kilograms of weight in one day.

The then 31-year-old completed the challenge in 22 hours and ten minutes, lifting roughly 700kg a minute.

Josh was committed to exercise since he was young, to help with lung problems cause by cystic fibrosis.

After the gruelling task, he told the BBC: "The body isn't thanking me this morning.

"It took five minutes to walk downstairs," he said

"The workout was 90% mental. The body wanted to give up many times."

Josh went on to receive an OBE the following year, after he raised £800,000 through his challenge.