Christmas shoppers in Glasgow were stopped in their tracks yesterday by more than 100 "living statues".

Christmas shoppers in Glasgow were stopped in their tracks yesterday by more than 100 "living statues".

The "flash mob" stunt, carried out by Red Cross campaigners before World Aids Day, which takes place today, saw the activists gather at the Royal Concert Hall steps to pass one another condoms and Aids ribbons.

At a pre-arranged signal the crowd froze in position for a full five minutes. Others in the group handed out leaflets and publicity material to passers by.

The Red Cross hoped to raise several thousand pounds, with the money going towards projects in the African country of Lesotho.

Megan Rothnie, an HIV project officer, said she was taking part to raise awareness and funds for the Red Cross.

Ms Rothnie, 23, said: "If young people have an understanding of how serious this humanitarian crisis is then maybe they'll do something about it.

"People tend to think of Aids as a problem only in Africa, or just from the 1980s, but there are more people than ever with HIV in Scotland. There are 2700 in the country, with 1000 of them living around Glasgow."

Louise Irvine, senior fundraiser for the Red Cross, said: "The flash mob was a great opportunity to get people engaged in World Aids Day in a totally new and different way. It's been really inspiring to see how many people turned up today to make a stand and it certainly gave all the Christmas shoppers something to think about.

"Sadly, HIV rates are still rising in Scotland year on year, so it is everyone's responsibility to get people talking about it and raise awareness."

Shoppers registered either support or bemusement.

Hayley Irving, 14, had travelled from Fife for a day's Christmas shopping with her mother. She said the stunt was a good idea, and recognised the importance of educating against the dangers of Aids. She added: "I am aware of HIV and Aids, but it isn't really something I know about. It's been mentioned at school but no-one ever really goes into it in any detail."

However, not everyone agreed that the stunt was the most effective way to get the message across. Glasgow University student Emma Hargreaves, 18, had intended to take part in the demonstration, but opted out on the day.

She said: "I do think it's important, but the issue has already been covered a lot in the media. Fundraising is good, but people need to think about where the money and effort is going. It should be put towards education projects, teaching people how to avoid getting Aids, not just raising awareness."