SCHOOLCHILDREN are getting dressed up for a world record-breaking attempt at an annual village celebration.

The 52nd Brookmans Park Village Day takes place next month, where residents will be attempting to enter the record books – by creating the largest gathering of nursery rhyme characters.

The idea is inspired by a long-held village myth, which holds that Brookmans Park was once the home of the real Little Miss Muffet, who in the famous rhyme was frightened away by a spider while eating her curds and whey.

The story goes that the village was once home to Dr Thomas Muffet, an entomologist who is believed to have prescribed mashed spiders as a cold cure, and the rhyme is said to be inspired by one of his stepdaughters.

In that spirit, this year’s village day on Saturday, June 18, will open with a fancy dress parade from the village green to the primary school, after which the formal Guinness World Records adjudication will take place.

Other activities will include a bouncy castle, pony rides, go-karts, an auction and raffle, a barbecue and a licensed bar.

Brookmans Park headteacher Nathan Hairon said: “The children are hugely excited about going for a real world record attempt.

“I am sure it will be a wonderful day out and the chance for children and adults to do something a little bit different.”

Village Day committee chair Helen Coffer added: “To stand the best chance of achieving this record we need to see as many people as possible coming along in fancy dress.

“It is important however that those dressing up check the school website as only those characters on our agreed list will be counted.”