A SCHOOL is celebrating after smashing the world record for the largest ever hockey lesson.

Guinness World Records has confirmed 509 participants took part in the lesson at Cundall Manor School, near Thirsk, 50 more than had attended a hockey class at a school in London, in 2009.

Eleven coaches, led by the school's sports director, former England rugby international John Liley, took 498 students through a range of drills in freezing conditions on the school's new Astroturf pitch.

Many of the participants were existing or former pupils at the school, along with parents and grandparents, as well as members of local hockey clubs and other schools in the area.

Mr Liley said the event was held to thank all who had contributed towards a two-year drive to raise £250,000 to build the all-weather sports facility, which would enable pupils at the school, which has won numerous county hockey titles this year, the chance to train more regularly.

A school spokesman said: “We wouldn’t have this pitch without everyone’s help so in return we want to give them the chance to see their efforts recorded in the iconic Guinness Book of Records.

“Although it truly was hockey weather, the sense of camaraderie was superb."