THE UK Corporate Games may be three weeks away but the event has already smashed a number of longstanding records.

The games are being held in Swindon on the weekend of June 2-4 and organisers expect the number of competitors to top the 6,000 mark.

And to emphasise the buzz surrounding the 21-sport event, games' director Esther Nicholls revealed that the competition's records book will soon have a few names in it.

"The top record for the biggest team ever has been comprehensively smashed," she said in a visit to Swindon yesterday.

"The company which has managed this remarkable feat and which will receive the coveted Sport For Life Grand Award will be announced at the parade of athletes on June 3 at Lydiard Park, and its numbers are continuing to increase.

"We have also beaten the size of any previous local authority taking part. Swindon Council has beaten the record previously held by Peterborough City Council, and the team is still growing.

"It is a remarkable example to all civic authorities that fitness, health and team spirit is regarded so strongly by the council.

"In a period when it is becoming clear that a healthy lifestyle and participation in activities is essential to well-being and also saves great amounts of money on health care, Swindon Council's support of the games and the involvement of its staff is a contribution in real terms."

The games' official charity has also weighed in with a record of its own.

Miss Nicholls added: "The Prospect Hospice has beaten every other official charity in any UK Corporate Games in the number of its entries to date.

"Given that it is one of the smallest, though certainly not the least important of the games' charities in the UK, its exceptional entry number has been nothing less than outstanding.

"Prospect Hospice is also doing great things in raising cash for its activities and will be raffling a donated car as part of its fundraising during the games."

Meanwhile, Georgian period cricket will be one of the events to form the opening celebrations of the UK Corporate Games.

A match will take place involving members of English Heritage at Lydiard Park, who will be dressed in traditional Georgian outfits and play to the rules of the game from 250 years ago.

The Georgian cricketers will take to the pitch from 2pm on the opening day of the games.

Organisers have granted local firms an extension to enter teams and entries should be in by early next week. Call the games' office on 01733 380 888 for details.