A RECORD attempt to create Kent’s largest Walking Bus will be led by Kent Messenger director and general manager Geraldine Allinson.

The bid to set a new record for the largest Walking Bus will take place in Canterbury city centre on Saturday, May 21 and is expected to attract contingents from schemes right across the county.

To set a new record Big Bus 2005 organisers need to attract more than 220 children. To help encourage families to take part a number of free draws will take place with a PlayStation 2 and DVD player donated by Ringway, a Trikke and theatre tickets.

Every child attending will receive a goody bag. Walking Bus co-ordinators have just a week left to register the numbers due to attend from their scheme to guarantee them goody bags.

The colourful column will head off from the Longmarket area of the city’s High Street at 10.30am and complete the walk on the forecourt of the Marlowe Theatre. Many of the schemes will have banners made by the children. Stilt walkers from the Kent Circus School will join the walkers.

This will be the fifth year the Big Bus event has taken place with the support of the KM group, but it will be the first time that a senior director of the company has helped lead the column.

Mrs Allinson said: "I am really looking forward to attending the Walking Bus record attempt on Saturday, May 21 in Canterbury.

"I think the Walking Bus initiative is fabulous because it benefits the community and the environment. I have immense respect for all the children and volunteers that make it possible. It is a great community collaboration and the KM is very pleased to support it."

Simon Dolby, chairman of the Kent Walking Bus Project, which is organising Big Bus 2005, said: "We are delighted that Geraldine has agreed to help lead the column."

Co-ordinators of Walking Buses should contact Mr Dolby on 07989 164 752 to give details of the numbers attending from their scheme to ensure participating children receive a goody bag.

Other organisations supporting the event include Perrys, the Denne Group, the Marlowe Theatre, Asda, Pizza Hut and Thorntons.