A world record attempt of a five kilometre bridge made up of boats between Malta and Gozo will take place next month to help raise funds for two charities, Victor Bezzina, one of the organisers of the event, said at a press conference.

The event, A Challenge for Charity, which will be held on Saturday, 4 August, will attempt to create a five kilometre bridge stretching from Cirkewwa Harbour to Mgarr Harbour.

Norman Hamilton, who also sits on the organising comittee, explained that the event has been organised to raise funds for Dar tal-Providenza at Siggiewi and the Arka Foundation at Ghajnsielem.

The organisers are expecting a positive reply from the Records Management Team of the Guinness World Records to consider the event as a world record attempt to put together the longest boat bridge between islands.

Mr Bezzina appealed to all boat owners to participate in the event and help raise funds for a social cause.

He explained that boats of all shapes and sizes will be anchored along the planned route and will have a cable extending between them to keep them aligned from stem to stern along the route.

�All the boats taking part will be guided to a pre-planned location along the route and the event will continue until the boat bridge between the islands is completed,� said Mr Bezzina.

The public can watch the feat from vantage points set up at Cirkewwa, Mgarr, Ghajnsielem and Qala. Funds will be collected throughout the day through phone-ins and collections on the Gozo ferries and public.

�This event will serve as a popular and unusual summer attraction for tourists and people, said Mr Hamilton.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech pointed out that tourism is becoming more event-oriented.

Not only will a bridge be built between Malta and Gozo, but also a human bridge of solidarity to help people with different needs, said Dr Zammit Dimech.