CHILDREN from neighbouring schools yesterday joined a world record attempt to form the longest "walking bus".

About 50,000 youngsters from across the country took part in the event, holding hands with parents to walk safely to and from school.

More than 100 children from Abbey infants and junior schools, in Darlington, joined in the effort to beat last year's record of 11,000 children, raising £24,000 for road safety charity Brake.

The money was used to support the victims of traffic accidents, particularly bereaved or traumatised children. Staff at the Abbey schools hope the event will encourage parents to form their own walking buses.

Judith Anderson, eco-school co-ordinator for the schools, said yesterday: "We want to keep our children safe by teaching them simple road safety lessons.

"Hopefully, taking part in a record-breaking attempt will help children to remember what they have learned and they will take extra care when walking to and from school."