The paper approached 45 London schools and asked them to take part in a reading lesson at 10am yesterday (Monday 26th March).
Teachers across the capital taught 2,000 pupils an identical half-hour lesson, using children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s Born To Run.
They were supported by actor Simon Callow and TV personality Elen Rivas (pictured) who each visited a classroom in person.
Mr Morpurgo, who also wrote War Horse, backed the record attempt. He said: “I am honoured that my book was chosen for this event — it is really wonderful.
“A huge bravo to every child who took part. There are millions of children who don’t read, and 2,000 have now had a real opportunity to get reading and that is to be applauded. It is huge.”
The author also shared his concern that - like the NHS - libraries should be kept free.
“In this country we all believe that healthcare should be free at the point of delivery. Literature, stories and poems are the same,” he said.
“It is not something just for rich, educated and privileged people, it is for all of us. It is our culture. Robert Louis Stevenson, Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl’s stories are for everyone, not just for everyone who can afford a book.”
Amarilis Whitty, adjudicator at Guinness World Records said of the Standard’s new record: “I’d like to congratulate all the children who took part. It is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the impact Get London Reading has had.”
