Northumberland schools once again stepped up to the challenge in national Walk to School Week.
A total of 40 Northumberland schools and 6,000 pupils took part in the initiative organised by Living Streets – the charity which aims to get people of all generations to enjoy the benefits of walking.
Each year schools across the country take part the week long challenge to encourage parents and pupils to leave the car and home and walk, cycle or scoot to school where possible.
This year the theme was City to Seaside challenge with schools receiving classroom packs containing wallcharts and pupil diaries to use during the week.
It took pupils on an imaginary journey from the city to the coast with activities and games for pupils to complete each day to explore key features of each environment, while also enjoying the many benefits of a daily walk to school.
Walking to school has many benefits such as reducing traffic outside our schools and improving air quality as well as encouraging pupils to get more exercise each day.
Tracy Aitken Northumberland County Council’s Travel Plan Adviser said: “Walking to school is a brilliant way to get active and healthy. It’s also a great opportunity for children to learn vital road safety skills and make sure they’re alert and ready to learn at the start of a new day.
“It’s fantastic that so many Northumberland schools want to get involved and promote these benefits to their families.”
Go Smarter Northumberland works with schools across the county to promote active travel for the journey to school.