DETERMINED pupils have proved they are world record holders by making the longest paper chain within an hour.

Youngsters from St Margaret’s Academy, in London Road, Bowers Gifford, joined forces with pupils at Bulphan Primary School in Fen Lane, Thurrock, on Friday to attempt to smash the world record as well as raise money for Comic Relief.

More than 300 children and 50 adults put their nimble fingers to the test in the event and it is believed the team broke the record by an incredible 253 metres - with their chain reaching a huge 3,453 metres.

The children and adults worked for exactly an hour to make it as long as they possibly could.

The schools were joined by members of the local churches as well as youth workers from Southend United Football Club.

Dominos Pizza were on hand to ensure no one was working on an empty stomach with everyone receiving free pizza while the record-attempt was underway.

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalf and David Harrison, mayor of Basildon, also turned up to show their support.

Emma Wigmore, executive headteacher of both schools, said: “The Parent Teacher Association for both schools decided to arrange a big event that could include everyone from the community and help raise money for Comic Relief.

“They planned the record attempt for the longest paper chain to be made in one hour which was great because it’s something that everyone could take part in and it was an exciting challenge to be part of.

“We never could have imagined how long the paper chain would be. It took more than hour and a lot of help from parents just to measure it.”

The whole process was overseen by an adjudicator from Comic Relief who was acting as a judge on behalf of Guinness World Records and recorded the official length as 3,453m but whether it has broken the current record is still to be confirmed officially.

Mrs Wigmore added: “We are so proud of all our children for getting involved. We have already managed to raise more than £1,000 with lots of money still to come in.

“We’re hoping to raise about £2,000 and it could be more than that, which is fantastic.

“It is certainly the biggest event we’ve ever organised here and it was great to be a part of.”

The schools threw a party for everyone in the afternoon to thank the kids and parents for their involvement.