The Guinness Book of World Records – a staple of any childhood.

Among the impressive feats of human achievement are some, well, weird and wacky records that may be records simply because nobody else has bothered.

Regardless, there is joy to be found in the absurd.

And there are quite a few current world records held in Watford.

'Fastest goal scored in the English Premier League’

Southampton striker Shane Long managed to score against Watford at Vicarage Road on April 23, 2019, in just 7.69 seconds.

Watford Observer: Shane Long (Photo: PA)Shane Long (Photo: PA)

It was the on game for the Saints as they went on to draw 1-1 after Andre Gray scored a late goal.

‘Tallest ice cream whip’

Paolino ‘Paul’ Salamone achieved the tallest ice cream whip by 18cm in Watford on September 9, 2013.

‘Fastest Game of Operation’ (with two people)

Jessica Timmis and Luke Roberts both managed to complete the game Operation in 21.45 seconds in Watford on October 20, 2019.

The record was previously held by Ledley King by 2.13 seconds.

‘Fastest game of Operation’

Luke Roberts also managed to succeed in another world record by completing a solo game of Operation in 12.68 seconds on October 20, 2019.

‘Most jumps through a hoop by a rat in 30 seconds’ and ‘Most high fives by a rat in 30 seconds’

The two pet rats – Freddie and Frankie – made it into the Guinness World Record book for 2021.

Freddie managed to jump through the hoops eight times in a row, while Frankie managed to give out 28 high-fives in 30 seconds.

Watford Observer: Frankie (left) and Freddie (right)Frankie (left) and Freddie (right)

Speaking to the Watford Observer, owner Luke Roberts from North Watford said he decided to train the pair when they were three months old after watching videos online of rats playing basketball.

‘Most party poppers popped in 30 seconds’ (team of two)

In their list of world record achievements, Luke Roberts and Jessica Timmis also hold this world record after popping 51 party poppers in 30 seconds on August 4, 2018.

Luke and Jessica practiced every night for one month before their attempt in order to make 2018 the year they broke their first Guinness World Records title.

‘Most alternating paw tricks by a rat in 30 seconds’

Luke Roberts and his pet rat Ronnie – brother to Frankie – achieved 42 paw tricks by a rat in 30 seconds on October 6, 2020.