A WORLD record attempt is being made in Colchester to honour three decades of a charity dedicated to children.

The confidential support and advice line ChildLine is marking its 30th anniversary this year.

Colchester NSPCC Business Group wants to mark its success by setting a world record for the largest game of musical statues ever held.

The record attempt will be held in Castle Park before this year's Party in the Park which is donating its profits to the NSPCC.

Katie Skingle, who has been involved with the NSPCC for nearly ten years, is asking people who are attending the musical spectacular to turn up a couple of hours early to take part.

The show on July 30 starts at 7pm but Katie urged those attending to arrive at 3pm ready for the 5pm record attempt. A variety of games and activities are also being laid on.

The current record stands at 1,079 in an event organised by Danone Finland and it is hoped 1,500 people will turn up to smash the record.

Katie said: "In our current digital age, we constantly have more challenges facing us in regards the protection of our young ones and the NSPCC is changing and adapting to those challenges on a daily basis.

"ChildLine has been a core service and a saving grace to so many little people over the last 30 years."

She added: "The NSPCC believes every child deserves a childhood.

"It is really poignant to have decided to do a fundraiser based around a traditional children’s party game.

"We want every child to know the joy of childhood and the money raised at this event will be going towards supporting the ChildLine Service in our own county.”

Last year, ChildLine received 4,110 landline calls from children in Essex.

To highlight ChildLine's 30th anniversary, the NSPCC is also asking business to show their support by becoming a 30 for 30 company.

That will see 30 companies each raising £2,000 for ChildLine in its 30th year.

The figure represents the cost of recruiting and training each new ChildLine volunteer counsellor and the first 100 calls they receive.

For more information on 30 for 30, contact Sarah Laffling on 07974 028796 or email sarah.laffling@nspcc.org.uk.

To book tickets to Party in the Park, go to www.foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk/book and register your entry for the record attempt by noting it on your booking form after Saturday ticket purchase.