YOUNGSTERS at a Poole school have taken part in a world record bid, to help raise awareness about the environmental impacts of plastics on the world's oceans.

Twenty nine pupils from Broadstone's Springdale First School linked up with more than 6,000 primary pupils from across the country as part of the 'Plastic Bottle Boat Challenge'.

The challenge, on Wednesday (June 27), was an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the simultaneous launch of a flotilla of plastic boats, each made from a recycled plastic bottle by a primary school child.

Another Bournemouth School, St James' Church of England Academy, has already taken part in an earlier record attempt

All of the boats launched will be recycled after the attempt is made.

Springdale First School teacher, and event organiser, Emma Ruddock said: "It was whole school memorable moment, all 29 boats were successfully floated for more than a minute. So it was a complete success. The whole school witnessed it and our stewards were very happy with the way it was carried out."

The idea for the challenge originated at Queen Mary Sailing Club in London.

Pupils at St James' Church of England Academy in Bournemouth have already set a world record, after launching 330 plastic bottle-made boats.

Academy principal Jeremy Payne said: "Young people in school today will bear the brunt of the future environmental impact of waste plastic, so it is essential that they learn to take responsibility for their own plastic use.

"We have seen first-hand how passionate the children become about this subject when they really see the consequences of our actions.

"The Springdale children will be linking this challenge to their work in design and technology, and afterwards, will follow the recycling process as part of the reduce, reuse, recycle initiative."

Meanwhile, Queen Mary Sailing Club secretary Tony Bishop said: "It is overwhelming the amount of support we have received for the challenge.

"The response from schools and teachers has been fantastic."