ELY S River Ouse is to be bridged by an incredible 14,100 milk bottles as the county tries to break a world record. The bottles, which standing end to end would stretch for 2.4 miles, are being collected by schools, community organisations and businesses

ELY'S River Ouse is to be bridged by an incredible 14,100 milk bottles as the county tries to break a world record.

The bottles, which standing end to end would stretch for 2.4 miles, are being collected by schools, community organisations and businesses throughout Cambridgeshire.

The Ely Standard is backing the challenge and is collecting bottles ready to build its own section of a bridge which, when complete, will bid for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

It is also hoped the challenge will raise awareness of how much plastic the county is sending to landfill every day.

Once complete, the bridge will measure 36 metres long by 4.2 metres wide and strung across the River Ouse from the west bank in the shadow of Ely Cathedral.

Ely city councillor, Jack Waterfall, and East Cambridgeshire District Councillor, Ian Allen, have launched the initiative through the Diamond 44 group.

They plan to build the bridge, with the help of supporters in 30 sections, each made up of 470 four pint plastic milk bottles strung together by their handles with rope on batons.

It will span the river for the third annual Classic Regatta when rowers will race along a course of three furlongs - or 660 yards - starting from the river's inlet to Roswell Lakes.

Cllr Waterfall said: "We are hoping the bridge will encourage loads of people to come along and enjoy the regatta on June 23.

"The bridge will raise awareness of how much plastic is being generated in the county and disposed of every day. These milk bottles represent the equivalent of how much milk is being used in the county every day before dinner time."

Empty bottles complete with lids can be deposited in collection bins at the offices of Price Bailey accountants in Broad Street, Ely or East Cambridgeshire District Council's offices at The Grange in Nutholt Lane, Ely and the Ely Standard at 38 Market Street.

Once the regatta, organised by Ely Rowing Club and Ely Sailing Club, comes to an end the bridge will be removed and stored to be used as a pontoon for trainee rowers.

INFO: Anyone wishing to take part should contact Cllr Waterfall on 07767 795895.