A FLEET of plastic bottle boats were launched by more than 300 primary school children to raise awareness about recycling and the pollution of oceans.

Pupils from St James’ Primary Academy in Bournemouth headed to the main lake at Poole Park yesterday where their colourful creations set sail.

They also set out to achieve a new Guinness World Record for the largest plastic bottle boat launch at a single venue.

After launching their boats, they reeled them back in and dismantled them – ready to recycle each part. They were able to keep their boat’s sails, though, as a memento of the day.

Jeremy Payne, principal of St James’ Primary Academy, said launching the bottle boats was “absolutely magical”.

“It went like a dream. We launched the boats across the main lake – they were tied with bits of string so we could pull them back afterwards. A recycling lorry from Poole council arrived, and we dismantled the boats so they could be recycled. The children knew the clear purpose of the week was to recycle, but they all kept the sails with their Guinness World Record stickers.

“Model boat making is an activity used in Key Stage 1. This challenge was the culmination of a week of learning – we spent the week looking at the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans and the damage to the environment and wildlife.

“We’ve been engaging the children in thinking about local and global issues and helping them develop social responsibility.”

Following the success of the school’s first plastic bottle boat challenge, Mr Payne is planning to spread the word and encourage other schools across the country, and eventually the world, to take part in a similar challenge.

The first international plastic bottle boat challenge is set to take place on June 27, 2018.

“Our children are generally very compassionate and caring about the world. We want to help them become socially active and contributory people,” he said.

“Lots of parents came down for the launch and members of the public were engaging with it too. One lady asked us what was going on and said it was the most beautiful thing she’d seen. We set our sights high so we hope we’ve achieved the record.”