Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton sees Girl Guides beat world record at Humber Bridge (Video)

ONE of the country's most iconic landmarks was given a colourful makeover as part of a new world record.

The Humber Bridge was awash with colour as more than 500 flags were draped from Hessle to Barton in the name of Comic Relief.

The artwork, which spanned the full length of the bridge, was put in place for a few hours on Saturday, setting a new world record for the largest bunting line.

Blue Peter's Helen Skelton was there to give Guides, who designed the flags on the bunting, a helping hand.

She said: "I am relieved and so proud of everyone who has been involved.

"It just shows a little bit of effort from a lot of people can make a massive difference.

"I am hugely grateful to everyone who has been part of this project and to the people looking after the Humber Bridge for allowing us to use it for our world record attempt."

The bunting line was made up of 517 flags, each measuring two metres, and individually designed by girl groups as part of the Girl Guiding charity.

The previous world record was 500 flags.

Youngsters from the Seventh Pocklington Guides were at the bridge to hear the announcement from an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records.

Angela Collins, group leader, said: "It is absolutely fantastic to be part of setting a world record.

"It has given the girls an opportunity to experience something they may never have chance to be part of again."

The flags were stitched together by students at the University of Hull, who worked into the early hours of Saturday to get it ready.

It was hoisted into place by Kingstown Works Ltd (KWL), provider of repair and maintenance services, who volunteered their services for free.

Kevin Redmore, KWL's business leader, said: "We are delighted to have helped the young girls to achieve a new world record.

"The Humber Bridge is over 2,000m long so it wasn't an easy task to complete, but our experience in hanging Hull's Christmas lights certainly helped.

"We always try to support Comic Relief at KWL and we decided to donate our fee for completing the work back to the charity."

Flags for the bunting came from all corners of the country and the Humber Bridge was picked by Comic Relief to stage the attempt for its iconic status in the country.

Helen, who has been presenting Blue Peter since 2008, said: "We love a world record at Blue Peter and it is so nice to be able to support the kids who have been so creative and skillful in making the flags.

"When you see young people enjoying the challenges it gives you a real buzz and that's what it's all about."

Seventh Pocklington Guides, Harriet Rothwell-Inch, 13, Tilly Mitchell, 11, and young leader Verity Trynka-Watson, 24, were at the bridge and met Helen.

Harriet said: "It has been a great experience. I have never done anything like this before so it has been fantastic."

Tilly said: "It's great that we have broken a world record and had a lot of fun too."

Verity, who has been in the group since she was six years old, said: "It has been a great opportunity to be part of something special."

Blue Peter will feature the challenge on CBBC on Thursday at 5.45pm.