West Cumbrian firm SIS Pitches has helped set a new world record.

The company, based at the Glasson Industrial Estate, Maryport, along with a partner company took the title for returfing football pitches.

At Qatar’s Khalifa International Stadium 7,885m2 of turf was installed in just 13.5 hours, up by over 30 minutes on the previous world record. Impressively, that record was also set by SIS in 2014, at the Amsterdam Arena.

This was the first project completed ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and was carried out alongside local firm Al Nakheel, who provided support staff and equipment. This work was also carried out in the presence of the clients Aspire Zone Foundation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

David Ball, SIS Pitches’ Middle East managing director, said: “On the back of some great projects at the 2018 World Cup Russia, it is great for us to be at the forefront of plans for the next FIFA tournament.

“The FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 is the first to be held in the Middle East and we are delighted to be associated with another big sporting event.”

Mr Ball explained that this work was carried out in very hot conditions, with temperatures regularly at 30-35C.

"You have to just keep hydrated and look after the grass," he said.

He also explained that this work needed to be carried out to demonstrate to world governing body FIFA that the tournament organisers can replace turf quickly in case of an emergency during the competition.

This pitch is unlikely to be used for the World Cup but may be used in other sporting events before that. The grass used was grown specifically in Qatar by SIS.

SIS Pitches employs 40 people at the industrial estate in Maryport. In April it was hit by a dramatic fire, one of the biggest in Cumbria's recent history.

The group’s storage warehouse was burnt down but the factory and offices were unaffected.

Mr Ball said though: "We are still, very much, in business."