BLACKPOOL could turn out to be top of the tots after an attempt at a record breaking charity toddle round the town's zoo.

The zoo was host to around a thousand children who were ambling around the animal enclosures as part of Barnardo's Tots Toddle national event on Wednesday (June 8).

And organisers are hopeful that in conjunction with other local toddles the total could reach the record-breaking figure of 1,700 toddlers for one area.

The day began at 10.30am when the deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool started the race at the side of the gibbon enclosure.

Also on hand to help were the stars of one of North Pier's summer shows, the Grumbleweeds and local-lad Stu Francis.

The toddlers and their teachers, parents and friends then made their way round the half-mile course weaving through the zoo.

Proprietor of Moore Villa Day Nursery, Blackpool, Sian Lavin was escorting Martin, Thomas, Rosie, Jack and Deanna around.

"I really like looking at the animals," said three-year-old Martin.

"We have seen the camels and the elephants, but my favourite is the elephants."

A kiddies entertainer was also on hand to add to the merriment of this mini-marathon and all the children who took part received a goodie bag for their toddling troubles. Event organiser at the zoo, Mehmood Laly said he was delighted with the way the day had turned out. "It has been a brilliant," he said.

"The weather is just fantastic and we've had so many people turning up to take part we can hardly believe it.

"There are 70 events taking place in and around Blackpool today, so with the number we've got taking part here, who knows just how close we are to breaking the record.

"But it is not the record that is important, it is the fact that so many people have come together to raise awareness and money for worthwhile causes across Blackpool and Lancashire."

The event at the zoo hopes to raise in excess of £8,000 for Barnardos, but it will take some time before the official figures can be announced.

The event also took place nationwide, with an estimated 3,000 toddles involving hundreds of thousands of children across the country.

Pictured is Moore Villa Day Nursery proprietor Sian Lavin with pupils Martin, Thomas, Rosie, Jack and Deanna enjoying their record breaking attempt