PUPILS from Okehampton Primary School marched from their school gates in an attempt to stop speeding drivers and break a world record for the largest 'walking bus' last week.

Around 30 pupils joined by mayor of Okehampton, Cllr Mike Morse, who also took part in the march, which saw hundreds of thousands of children across the UK participate in the Giant Walking Bus.

The march aimed to encourage drivers to slow down to 20mph or less in built-up areas and raise awareness of the number of children killed and hurt on foot by fast traffic.

It also raised funds for national road safety charity, Brake.

Chief executive of Brake, Mary Williams OBE, said: 'Brake supports families whose children have been killed or catastrophically maimed by speeding drivers.

'These tragedies can be so easily prevented by drivers slowing down in communities.

'At 20mph or lower, drivers stand a good chance of stopping in time if a child runs out three car lengths in front — at speeds of 30mph and above, drivers can barely slow down at all before hitting.'

Brake urges all communities to support the Giant Walking Bus by slowing down 'today, tomorrow, forever'.

Mary Williams added: 'You never know when a child might make a mistake and run out — slower driving could save their life.'

To donate to Brake or fundraise for the charity phone 01484 559909 or visit http://www.brake.org.uk">www.brake.org.uk