Chinese break the ice

Two Chinese men have broken the world record for standing encased in ice.

Chen Kecai, 52, and Jin Songhao, 54, stood in ice baths for 118 minutes and 120 minutes respectively to break the record - which was set only earlier this week by Wim Hof, a 51-year-old Dutchman, in Hong Kong.

For the attempt both men stripped to their trunks before stepping into the ice blocks, where they were monitored by medics through sensors on their bodies and thermometers in their mouths.

Both men's body temperatures dropped dramatically and their skin went bright red.

Mr Chen - who set a world record of 108 minutes in ice last year - was pulled from the record attempt first by medics who feared for his health after his body temperature dropped so low.

Mr Jin lasted for 120 minutes, and during the attempt was even able to write some Chinese calligraphy in praise of the ruling Communist party.

As he was removed from the ice he told the gathered crowd: "I'm fine, I'm fine."

Both the attempt makers hail from the frozen Chinese province of Heilongjiang - also known as Black Dragon River - which borders Siberia, where temperatures drop to minus 40C in winter.