A man has found the world's longest Hula Hoop - a 4in whopper he's hiding from the crisp-loving family dog to keep as an heirloom.

Delighted Sam Lightfoot, 26, discovered the massive salt and vinegar snack during lunch with his family.

The mega-munchie is eight times the usual length and only just fitted in the packet.

He has vowed to save it forever - and had to protect it from family dog Mylo, a seven-year-old golden doodle who loves crisps.

Sam's discovery trumps the previous world record - a 3.7-inch hoop found in May.

The off-shore wind farm planner said the find was among his biggest achievements.

He said: “It’s up there in the top ten, along with buying a house and a car.

“We’ve been worried about breaking it so we’re keeping it safe in its packet in the utility room.

“We’ve seen online that someone got £20,000 for a puffed-up Dorito they found, but we’re not planning to sell this - it’s too sentimental.

“I’ll probably keep it forever and hand it down through the family."

Sam’s special packet was within a multi-bag bought for him by his 12-year-old cousin Maisie, as part of the family shop in Tesco, Aldershot, Hampshire, earlier on August 20.

Sam, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, is staying with his family for a holiday, and could feel something unusual before opening the packet.

He said: “When I opened it I was like ‘whaaaaaat’, then I realised it was an extra-long Hula Hoop.

“I went and showed everyone.

“They were very impressed.

“Then I measured it.

“It’s Maisie’s achievement really, so it will probably stay here in Surrey.”

Maisie said: “I feel proud to have picked it up, and pleased to have the longest hula hoop in my house.”

Rowan Umland, 19, from Peckham, south London, found a 3.7-inch hoop in May this year.

Musician Stuart Hampton, 31, from Darnhill in Greater Manchester, auctioned a 3in Hula Hoop for £712 in 2014.