CHILDREN, parents and teachers and members of the Ashton Keynes community tried their absolute best to hop their way to world record success today, but were just a few people short of achieving gold.

Ashton Keynes Primary School planned to have more than 490 people simultaneously hopping on one leg to smash the current Guinness World Record this afternoon.

The school field was crammed with around 400 pupils, parents, staff and people from the village, including North Wiltshire MP James Gray and soldiers from 29 Regiment RLC in South Cerney.

Despite a monumental effort, the world record was not broken but headteacher Samantha Saville said it was still amazing fun.

"We did this to mark the end of our sports week," she said. "The children have been doing fencing, zumba, wheelchair basketball and more. The Friends of Ashton Keynes Primary School decided it would be a good idea to host a community event and we found this challenge.

"Even though we haven't achieved it, it was all about having a go."

MP Mr Gray said he thought it was great fun, and even took part in the hopping.

"I was just encouraging everyone to take part," he said. "It was fantastic. This is a great school, full of enthusiasm."

Soldiers from 29 Regiment RLC in South Cerney also came along to provide security for the day and make sure they had counted all the people participating.

"I thought this was a fantastic idea," said Staff sergeant Stephen Trevaskiss. "The more the army get involved in the community the more the community will get along with the armed forces."

Participants were invited to have cool refreshments after the hopping, while pupils went back to their lessons.

See more photos in this week's Standard.