ALMOST 20,000 pairs of shoes were laid heel-to-toe to break a world record at Victoria Park in Arbroath yesterday.

Since November, the One Step Beyond charity campaign has appealed to people up and down the country to donate unwanted footwear.

Donations have flooded in from sports teams, schools, community groups, individuals and international superstars.

They will be sent to needy families in Asia and Africa in the coming weeks.

Scots tennis star Andy Murray, Sir Elton John, Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, Stephen Fry and Robin Williams all donated shoes, which will be auctioned to raise more money.

The campaign also took a donation of £2 per pair of shoes, which will be split equally between four charities—Caring For Kids, Cancer Research, No More Landmines Trust and Angus College Charitable Trust.

Yesterday, an army of organisers and volunteers laid out thousands of pairs to form the longest recorded line of footwear in history.

The 2.6-mile line was verified for the record books by solicitor John McDonald and local justice of the peace David Nelson.

Members of the public turned out to witness the extraordinary sight and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.

Songs such as These Boots Are Made For Walking, Blue Suede Shoes and Walk The Line belted out to accompany the laying, which kicked off with the celebrated Madness anthem One Step Beyond.

Campaign organiser Kay Gilmour said, “It is a record.

“I am absolutely delighted with the achievement of everyone here today who has collectively made their own little bit of history by going One Step Beyond for the campaign.

“Many people have worked very hard to make this happen and my thanks go out to them all.

“The end amount raised is considerable, but won’t be finalised until all the celebrity shoes are put up for auction.

“Now that the challenge is complete, it’s a well-earned rest for the organising team.”