Married couples attempted to set a new world record by renewing their vows at a church ceremony.

More than 30 couples attended the service at St Barnabas Church, in Woodside Park, North Finchley yesterday to reaffirm their wedding vows.

The church was one of 80 across the country taking part in the event ahead of Valentine’s Day next week and also as part of Marriage Week.

Vicar of the church Henry Kendall took part in the ceremony with his wife Jane.

The pair have been married for 30 years and Mr Kendall said: “For us we wanted to celebrate marriage and its importance to us and our lives.

“The vows you take for marriage are very important and are something you take with you throughout your whole life.”

Mrs Kendall said: “I think it’s great to be reminded of the vows you took and why they were important to you when you first got married.”

Susan Brown, who attended with her husband of a year and a half Gerard, said: “I think we wanted to celebrate our marriage and marriage as whole.

“We’ve married a relatively short amount of time and its a nice chance for us to enjoy the experience all over again surrounded by our friends.”

In order for the record to stand each couple had their picture taken with a copy of their marriage certificate.

Associate Vicar Colin Brookes said: “It’s important that married couples invest time in loving each other and as part of Marriage Week it’s great that couples have been able to reaffirm their vows and love for each other.

“Potentially a new World Record will be set, but that is secondary to couples expressions of love.”

The world record for couples simultaneously reaffirming their marriage vows currently stands at 1087 which was set in 2009 in Ohio, USA.