VIDEO: Watch Peterborough students set new Guinness World Record

Students finishing off the world record breaking paper structure

Anglian Water invited 60 students to the Greater Peterborough University Technical College (GPUTC) to take part in the building of the world’s biggest paper structure.

It took two days, almost 6,000 sheets of paper and several hundred paper cups to construct the pyramid at the Park Crescent campus.

Having been built in February, Guinness World Records have just confirmed it is officially the world’s biggest paper structure.

The pyramid stands at 3.51 metres and was made from sheets of rolled up A4 recycled paper, secured with rolled paper pegs.

A spokesman for GPUTC said: “You’d be naïve if you thought that it was just the two days’ effort that went into creating our paper structure world record attempt.

“It was completed in partnership between Anglian Water and GPUTC but began with an inspirational idea, months of research, project development, focused hyper-detailed planning and was achieved by committed enthusiastic individuals.”

The structure, made of nothing but paper and pritt stick, was designed by Anglian Water engineer and STEMNET ambassador Matt Humphrey who wanted to get more young people to consider engineering as a career option.

Matt said: “Almost everything we use on a daily basis is engineered; from the house you live in, the car you drive, to your water pipes. We want to inspire students to think differently about engineering and see a career in engineering for the varied and challenging role it is.

“This world record attempt will give the students the opportunity to learn how different materials can be used in construction, that different designs and engineering techniques can be used to create really strong structures, and get an appreciation of the processes and organisation that’s needed to build a giant structure.”

With a significant number of Anglian Water’s workforce due to retire in the next 10 years, the company is looking for the talented engineers and technicians of the future.

One of the ways it’s supporting more young people into these roles is by becoming the lead sponsor of the Greater Peterborough UTC and offering a range of apprenticeships.