THE PITTER-PATTER of tiny feet was heard on the pavements of Southampton when more than 200 youngsters took part in a record-breaking walk-to-school attempt.

In all 255 pupils from Shirley Infant School took part in the record attempt that saw schools from across the country board a walking bus.

Youngsters dressed in fluorescent tabards and waving posters adorned with safe walking messages took to the pavement hand in hand.

The children completed the three-quarters of a mile route around the school on Wilton Road in just over 15 minutes, laughing and singing most of the way.

Emily Stone, 7, said: "I think it is good because you get exercise and I get to see my friends at the same time."

Schoolmate Henry Herklots, 7, added: "Walking is good exercise. That's why I like it."

Head teacher Sue Doyle said: "We suffer from congestion problems around the roads here when the children have to be dropped off and picked up.

"Anything we can do to cut down on that by promoting the walking bus is excellent.

"It is also nice for the children to take part in a world record attempt.

Jane Chapman, co-ordinator of the Walking Bus at Shirley infant school that was established at Easter, said: "The main problem is that parents have busy lives and fitting in one more thing in the mornings is a bit off-putting. But the benefits to the child are great. Research has shown that a walk to school helps to improve concentration when they get into class, and certainly the children who currently use the walking bus thoroughly enjoy it.

The school will find out if it has been part of a world record walking bus next month when the numbers of pupils at each participating school are totted up.