Schoolchildren in Sheffield took part in a record-breaking challenge with help from some celebrity friends.

Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson CBE and CBBC presenter Angellica Bell landed their helicopter in Sheffield to see 600 city schoolchildren take part in the Tesco Great School Run.

Nearly 750,000 seven to 11-year-olds across the country took part in the event - which is set to smash the world record for the largest simultaneous walk or run, while also raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Sheffield leg of the 2km run at Meadowhead School was started by former Sports Minister and Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn.

Colin said "The event was great fun and very exciting, everyone tried their best and hopefully it has helped to drive home the message that fitness and health is extremely important and it's also possible to get fit and have a lot of fun at the same time."

Angellica said: "We hope everyone enjoyed their day, and look forward to hopefully being able to confirm the Guinness World Record."

The current record was set by 231,635 walkers across Canada.

But the Tesco Great School Run involved 749,231 children and is set to be recognised in the record books once the children who took part send off their event forms.

Mr Caborn said: "Educating our children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle is of vital importance if we are to tackle obesity and inactivity problems in this country."

Jan Foster, corporate responsibility manager at Tesco, said: "It is clear from today's events that schools are working hard to help children recognise the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle."

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