PUPILS from a Bournemouth school are celebrating after setting a new world record.

Children at St. James’ CE Primary Academy in Pokesdown achieved a record for the most plastic bottle boats launched simultaneously.

A total of 330 boats made out of recycled plastic bottles were successfully launched at Poole Park.

After the attempt, all the boats were taken out and recycled in a Poole Council recycling lorry so that the children could see how materials are reused and then recycled.

The aim of the launch was to demonstrate the impact that plastic bottles can have on the environment and was carried out as part of pupils’ lessons about the issues of plastic pollution.

An announcement made to the children that they had broken the world record appeared live on the school's Facebook page and has been viewed more than 7,500 times.

Jeremy Payne, principal of St James' Church of England Primary Academy, said: “This is a brilliant outcome for everyone. It validates the hard work and effort from all children and adults in the school who pulled together, developed a passion for the important global issue of plastic pollution and raised their awareness of the role that we all have to play in looking after the future of the planet.

“We’re incredibly proud to say that St. James’ Academy now holds a World Record.”

The school is now leading a national and international attempt to set a world record in multiple locations.

Schools across the country are invited to sign up to take part in the next attempt on June 27 this year by visiting plasticbottleboatchallenge.com. So far nearly 3,000 are participating in the challenge.