Coronation Street sets two TV records

Coronation Street landed a pair of world records yesterday as it prepares to mark its 50th birthday.

The show has been recognised as the world's longest-running soap, while William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the first episode, is now the world's longest-serving soap actor.

The popular drama has headed into the record books following the cancellation of US series As The World Turns, which previously led the field.

Roache collected an award for the accolade at a special street party on the cobbles at Granada TV's studios yesterday, where guests and cast members were celebrating the show's half- century.

The 78-year-old actor said: "An award like this is something that creeps up behind you while you are getting on with the job - that job is Coronation Street. I'm lucky to be in it."

Roache, who was given a standing ovation, added: "I will hold this on behalf of Team Coronation Street."

The show actually celebrates its birthday on 9 December, but programme bosses were preparing for the anniversary with the party yesterday as well as giving further details of how the occasion will be marked on screen.

Executive producer of the show Kieran Roberts said: "It is an extraordinary achievement that, 50 years later, the show which first aired just after The Beatles were formed remains hugely popular in Britain and around the world."