![](/media/gl1ddumo/bearhugmain.jpg?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da6107e28ae630)
Children aged four to seven from Petersfield Infant School in Hampshire took part in the attempt to beat the current world record which stands at 251 people hugging soft toys simultaneously, achieved by a middle school in the USA.
The event was organised by Barnardo’s Hampshire Healthy Families service to promote infant well-being, as hugging a soft toy has been found to reduce stress, help relaxation and improve emotional well-being.
Dr Radha Modgil, GP, co-host of BBC Radio 1’s The Surgery, and a campaigner for physical and mental well-being (pictured below with children), also attended the world record attempt to show her support.
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