TRANSPORT Secretary Geoff Hoon sent a message of support as hundreds of people celebrated the fifth anniversary of Nottingham's tram.

MP Mr Hoon was unable to attend the festivities in Old Market Square, but he passed on a few words to Coun Jane Urquhart, the city council's portfolio holder for transport and area working, to read out.

He said: "Congratulations to NET Line One on its fifth anniversary. In addition to providing many people with excellent transport links, the tram has opened up a huge number of opportunities for business growth and economic regeneration.

"When visiting Nottingham, I have travelled on the tram many times. It is easy to use, punctual and very convenient. NET Line One is regarded highly both in this country and abroad."

A new High Five world record was set in the Square as part of the celebrations.

A total of 413 people, including pupils from Scotholme, St Mary's, Mellors, Seagrave and Aspley Wood primary schools, along with members of Nottingham Rugby Club and BBC weatherman Des Coleman took part. The previous record was 408 people, set in 2006 in the US.

Moses Attenborough and Frieda Wignall, both ten, of Scotholme Primary School, enjoyed the festivities.

Moses said: "I use the tram every morning on weekdays to go to school. It is a good way of getting transport because they are quite fast."

Frieda said: "I mainly use it on Saturdays to get to town and to go to music lessons."

Mark Fowkes, chairman of Arrow Light Rail, the consortium which built and operates the tram, said it was also the 20th anniversary since the concept of the Nottingham tram was initiated.

"It was a fantastic achievement to take that concept and really produce a modern standard of public transport in the city," he said.

"Nottingham has held its congestion levels for four or five years. No other city in Europe can claim that. The tram has played its part taking two to three million car journeys a year off the road."

Coun Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for transport and area working, said: "It would be fantastic if we could celebrate ten years with two more lines as well. Line One has been a big success. We need to take it forward so more communities can benefit from the tram network."