THE i360 has towered into the record books.

The viewing tower nearing completion on Brighton and Hove's seafront has been awarded the record for the most slender tower in the world, with a height to width aspect ratio of 41.15 to one.

Guinness World Record officiators confirmed this week that the British Airways i360 is a record-breaker.

The tower is 160.469 metres above ground while its diameter is a slim 3.9 metres.

John Roberts, chief engineer and director at British Airways i360, said: “We have used groundbreaking engineering with this tower construction.

"Its height:width aspect ratio is considerably more than other tall buildings such as The Shard’s ratio of six to one or BT Tower’s of eight to one.”

David Marks and Julia Barfield, originators and founding shareholders of British Airways i360, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been working again with the same team that created the London Eye.

"British Airways i360 builds on the design, engineering, technology and innovation that made the London Eye a worldwide success, and takes it to new heights."

Guinness World Records, originated in 1955, is considered the global authority on record-breaking. Its application rules are strict and must be adhered to in order to substantiate a world record title.

British Airways i360 submitted technical data and specific measurements, including a measurement of the tower above the ground at 160.469m.

The tower’s measurement above sea level including underground sections is 162m.

Two structural engineers verified the application for the world record. They are: Professor Tim Ibell, professor of structural engineering at the University of Bath and president of the Institution of Structural Engineers in 2015, and Dr Pierfrancesco Cacciola, principal lecturer in structural engineering at the University of Brighton.

Eleanor Harris, chief executive of British Airways i360, added: “This attraction is a world first in so many amazing ways.

"We are delighted to have received this international recognition even before we open to the public this summer.”

The Guinness World Record certificate will be available to view at British Airways i360 when it opens this summer.