A NETBALL club has attempted to break the world record for the largest netball lesson.

More than 420 children, spanning seven different primary and secondary schools in Berkshire, took part in the event at the Reading Abbey School last Thursday.

The lesson consisted of a 10-minute warm-up, followed by a 40-minute lesson and finished with a 10-minute cool-down.

The aim of the event was to raise the profile of Woodley Netball Club within the local community, and encourage girls to get involved with netball.

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The event also coincided with the school’s Sport Relief activities and helped to raise more than a total of £800 for Sport Relief.

Meredith Stanley, one of the attempt organisers, said: “Woodley Netball Club has never raised funds for Sport Relief before, but we felt that Sport Relief was a great way to bring visibility to the event whilst highlighting the life-changing power of sport, particularly girls’ sport, on a personal, as well as local and national levels.

"So many girls don’t take a chance on sport and we really hope that by doing something so unusual and so inclusive that we can help break down some of the barriers that hold girls back from getting involved."

England Netball also got involved with the attempt as part of their Bee Netball programme, which enables children under the age of 11 to participate in netball, learning important life skills through good sportsmanship.

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Karen Bosom, junior lead coach at Woodley Netball Club, said: “A big thank you from Woodley Netball Club to the students that came to the world record attempt.

"It was great to know we had them to capture footage of this exciting event, both to share with the participants, volunteers and as part of our evidence to Guinness World Records.

“It was fantastic that Martin could be there as well and that he got the drone up, despite the wet and windy weather. I was really proud to see so many volunteers who helped make this great event happen.

“It was amazing to see over 400 children having fun and learning some new netball skills. We're very grateful for the support from The Abbey Senior School that enabled this event to take place.

"In addition, we'd like to say thanks to all our lovely sponsors for covering the costs of setting up the event, which enables us to give all the proceeds to Sports Relief; a great cause."

Guinness World Records are reviewing the footage of the event and will confirm or deny the breaking of the previous record shortly.