The campaign will raise awareness of road safety

They joined around 50,000 children across Britain, linking up in crocodile lines to set a new walking bus record.

They also called on motorists to slow down near schools and homes.

The initiative was organised by road safety charity Brake, which said it could guarantee it would be a successful world record.

"We hold the existing record, and we know how many people have taken part this time - it has been an overwhelming success," said spokesman Andrew Hill.

"All the children involved and all the schools involved can be proud of themselves."

Up to 3,000 children from schools in Wales were due to join the attempt to beat last year's world record of 8,039 participants.

Around 200 pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili in Caerphilly were among them.

Head teacher Lynn Griffiths, who takes part in his own school's walking bus each Friday, said he understood the safety issues involved.

WELSH SCHOOLS WHO TOOK PART Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili, Caerphilly Coed Ydderwen, Merthyr Tydfil Cwmbach Primary School, Aberdare Libanus Primary , Blackwood Birchgrove Infants, Swansea Alexandra Primary, Wrexham Queensferry Primary, Queensferry Thornwell Primary, Chepstow Dewisant School, Llanelli Hendrefoilan School, Swansea Llanedeyrn Primary School, Cardiff Ysgol Parc Y Bont, Anglesey Trerobert Primary, Pontypridd

Before the bid, Mr Griffiths said: "The children are excited about taking part in a world record attempt and we will be taking full advantage of the event to teach them the skills they need to stay safe when walking near busy roads."

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili pupil Ashley Kincaid, 10, said: "It's a good opportunity for the children to talk Welsh to each other on the way to school.

"It reduces traffic on the roads and is helping us learn about road safety."

Fellow pupil Josh Selway, also 10, walks to school once a week. "It's important that you keep fit before you start lessons and you are fresher and more alert," he said.

Brake chief executive Mary Williams said she wanted to see the UK Government more involved in road safety initiatives for children.

"Brake hopes this event will help schools teach children about walking safely and raise awareness among local drivers," she said.

"It's crucial that the Government does more to protect our children, by investing in safe routes to schools and 20mph speed limits near schools and residential areas."

In Wales in 2003, five pedestrians under the age of 15 were killed and 80 were seriously injured.