Staff and students at a Norwich school are eagerly awaiting being crowned record breakers after taking up a tasty challenge.

For it is looking like it will be 'hats off' to Thorpe St Andrew School after about 870 staff and pupils took to the school's tennis courts yesterday to all simultaneously throw a chef's hat into the air.

The previous world record for the bizarre feat was set in Belgium in January 2012 when just more than 600 people took part in the culinary-themed challenge.

Ian Clayton, principal of the Laundry Lane school, led the countdown to yesterday's world record attempt before he joined fellow staff and pupils from years seven, eight and nine in throwing the chef's hats in the air.

'We have got to wait for the world record to be confirmed but it looks like we have well and truly broken the record!' he said.

'We knew we only had one attempt so it was important everyone threw their hat up in the air at the same time.

'It was a great thrill to see so many people involved.'

The record-breaking attempt was to raise money for Heart FM's Have a Heart Appeal which is supporting three charities who grant wishes to seriously and terminally ill children.

Mr Clayton said it was a good opportunity for Thorpe St Andrew School pupils to help other young people who are in need.

He said: 'We were pleased to be involved.

'It was about having fun but it also had a learning purpose as well about the importance of charities and giving, and why that is important.'

When asked what it was like being part of a world record attempt, Mr Clayton said: 'It was exciting, hopefully it is one of those memories of school that the pupils will look back on in years to come – the day we broke a world record.'

He added that the school was also delighted that the world record attempt had inspired some local restaurants to get in touch about visiting the school to give pupils an insight into the food industry.

Are you planning to take part in a world record attempt? Call Norwich Evening News reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk