Video: Watch record-holder Danny Brooks' 163ft throw-in

The 28-year-old PE teacher from Halifax has perfected a special flip that enabled him to throw the ball 163ft 3.8 inch (49.78 metres) – over half the length of a football field, or the length of five double-decker buses.

His "flip throw" technique involves a somersault that ends with both feet on the ground as he launches the ball forwards.

The former gymnast said: "I realised I could do a flip while holding the ball. I thought if I could get the angles and timing right, I could beat the world record for the longest football throw-in."

The married teacher, who lives in Southowram and works as a PE teacher in Elland, near Halifax, got the idea after watching Stoke City player Rory Delap cause mayhem among opposing defenders with his ability to launch a ball into the penalty box from the sidelines.

"I thought, I can do that," Mr Brooks said. "Now eat your heart out Rory Delap.

"Not many people get the opportunity to be best in the world at something. I have got the official certificate as a souvenir along with the ball I threw and I will probably have that put in a glass case."

Mr Brooks, who plays football for Midgley United in the Halifax Premier Division, sent off film and photographic evidence of his feat to the people at Guinness World Records.

His throw was completed at Midgley's recreation ground and was recorded by two FA affiliated referees together with Mary Smith, a teacher at Calder High School.

A Guinness World Records spokesman confirmed that Mr Brooks had set the new record.

The previous record was set by America's Michael Lochner with a 48.17m throw in 1998, beating the record held by Tranmere's Dave Challinor who hurled a ball 46.34 metres.