CRAZY amigos at the University of Central Lancashire are getting ready to break an unusual world record.

Around 500 students will be living up to their reputations and spending Saturday night swigging Mexican spirit tequila. But this is no ordinary night for the thirsty students -- it is all part of a Guinness world record attempt, organised by the Students' Union.

The record -- for the greatest number of people drinking a shot of alcohol -- stands at 500, and was set last year by the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Now the Preston students are hoping to smash the current record by at least 100 shots.

Dave Evans, events manager for the Student's Union, said: "We'll be starting with a minimum of 560 people, and we can go up to around 960." Dave had the brainwave for the record attempt after flicking through the Guinness Book of Records in a shop.

He said: "In November when I first inquired about the record it was only 160 shots, but it's one of the most popular records."

The record-breaking students will form a line around the Students' Union, and will each be given a shot. After a special signal the first person drinks their shot, and the next in line waits for them to finish before downing theirs.

The attempt is expected to last around three quarters of an hour,

Dave said: "When we tried it out with 50 people it only took a few minutes. We have to jump through a lot of hoops to get the record. We have to photographic evidence, and signatures from people involved to get the record. But I hope we'll get the record!" and is part of a special Mexican night at the University on Saturday,March 2.

The night's entertainment will include a Ricky Martin tribute, Mexican bands, Latin dancers, salsa dancing teachers and a Mexican arm wrestler.

The record attempt starts at 10pm at the Fylde Road Student's Union. Tickets are £4 for students and £5 for guests.