The Reverend Mervyn Roberts, from Bishop's Tachbrook, near Leamington Spa, has already completed his first 24 hours but still has another 24 hours to go.

He is working his way through the Bible and is expected to reach the Book of Revelations some time on Thursday morning.

Mr Roberts is allowed meal breaks every 15 minutes but is not allowed to sleep.

Sue Roberts has every faith in her husband

He attempted to break the record once before, but was forced to pull out on medical advice after he fell ill during the night.

This time his parishioners are lending their support and they are confident he will last out.

Mr Roberts' wife, Sue Roberts, told the BBC's Midlands Today programme: "The Bible is a very long book and a very deep book and Mervyn has got a reputation for being able to talk."

Last year, a vicar in Lancashire talked his way into the Guinness Book of Records by delivering the longest non-stop sermon.

The Reverend Chris Sterry, vicar at Whalley in Lancashire, broke the previous record for an unscripted speech of 27 hours and 30 minutes by carrying out a marathon 36-hour sermon at his parish church.

He was not allowed to repeat himself, talk nonsense, and was not allowed to pause for more than 10 seconds.