Guinness World Records marked 70 years of record-breaking achievements this week.

Since the first Guinness World Records book was published on 27 August 1955, thousands of records have been achieved - with a number originating in Chester. 

Arguably the most famous local record is held by Chester Racecourse, which holds the title of oldest horse racecourse in operation. 

Lying along the banks of the River Dee, the 65-acre racecourse was once a harbour during the Roman settlement of the city, before closing as the river silted up.

Prior to the reign of Henry VIII, the racecourse site had previously been home to violent medieval football matches which took place on Shrove Tuesday.

With the consent of Mayor Henry Gee, the football match was banned in 1533 and replaced with horse racing. Six years later on Shrove Tuesday in February 1539, Chester Racecourse hosted its first race. 

At 486 years old, racing at Chester Racecourse has only paused three times - during the English Civil War, the first world war and the second world war.

Marking a jubilant return to racing after the second world war, 103,933 fans attended Chester Cup Day at the racecourse in 1946 - setting a record which stands to this day. 

Amongst the racecourse's notable visitors over the years includes Queen Elizabeth II, who attended the racecourse in 1966 to watch the Cheshire Oaks race. 

Late last year, future improvements to the racecourse were unveiled as Chester Race Company applied for the first phase of its 15-year development plan.

The plans submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council included a permanent hospitality building within the paddock area - replacing the temporary 'Tented Village', to provide upgraded facilities for guests.

It would also include a new facilities hub at Saddlery Way, incorporating new offices, stables lodge accommodation and racecourse operational facilities.

Pending planning approval, work on the first phase of the development is expected to be underway by late 2025 or early 2026.

You can find out more about the plans and Chester Racecourse here.