Palestinians in pastry record bid

Attempt at world's biggest kunafa
The giant kunafa was eventually devoured by thousands of visitors

Bakers in the Palestinian West Bank city of Nablus have attempted to set a record for the world's biggest kunafa - a local sweet pastry.

The sticky pastry was 74m (243ft) long and made from 700kg (1,540lb) of semolina flour and the same amount of cheese plus 300kg (660lb) of sugar.

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad was among the first to receive a slice before thousands of visitors tucked in.

Kunafa originates from Nablus but is renowned throughout the Arab world.

Organisers say they will now submit the results to the Guinness World Records.

Palestinian news agency Maan said that 170 bakers from 10 Nablus pastry shops had helped make the giant kunafa, which cost around $15,000 (£9,000).

The pastry was laid out on a tray which stretched across Nablus's main square and its measurements were certified by the Palestinian Standards Institute.

Peace message

Mohanad Rabi, a local businessman who helped to organise the attempt, said he is confident the record would be accepted. He said he did not know of any previous attempts.

Nablus leaders hope the event will help restore the image of the town, once the scene of frequent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces.

Occupying Israeli forces have only recently eased restrictions on the city, imposed for the past nine years.

"The message of today is that we want to live in peace," said Mr Rabi.

Although Israel has praised recent Palestinian efforts, it continues to carry out raids in Palestinian towns.