IT COULD be the largest swarm of human bumblebees ever seen to man.

Southampton is trying to enter the record books this weekend with the largest number of people dressed up as the buzzy creatures descending on the city centre.

Mayoress Mary White is the driving force behind the bid and is hoping to get the support of more than 500 bees at Guildhall Square on Sunday in the hope of raising vital cash for Sport Relief.

But as well as hoping to set a new Guinness World Record, the idea is also aimed at raising awareness about the declining numbers of the insect in the UK.

The invite is open to anyone who wants to help with the cause who can also run, walk, skip or hop the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile, which will set off from Guildhall Square at 11am.

They will be among hundreds expected to turn out and take part as the city hosts one of hundreds of similar events across the country.

Mayoress White told the Echo: “It is time for the people of Southampton to show off what we can do.

“By bringing together sections of the community we will be demonstrating what a special place the city is and what it’s like to live here, like bees, all working as a team.

“We want to get as many people as possible involved.”

The special event comes as Southampton marks 50 years of having city status after the Queen granted a royal charter.

Celebrations have already started and will continue long into the year, with this being the latest of the festivities. If successful, the bee stunt will put Southampton in the history books as well as raising vital funds for disadvantaged people.

Two species of bee have already become extinct in this country, with numbers declining dramatically because of changes in agricultural practices that have largely got rid of flowers.

That in turn has left the bees with no pollen and nectar that is so important to their survival.

The Southampton Mile is just the beginning of Hampshire’s Sport Relief activities.

There are more than ten different runs and swims taking place throughout the county and with less than a week to go you can still enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games by visiting sportrelief.com.