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County Durham youngsters back Walk to School Week

Young people from nursery age up to 16 years took part in a variety of activities across County Durham during the recent Walk to School Week.

Pupils from Sacriston Nursery & Infant School in Durham set the pace with the launch of their Walking Bus. The children were accompanied by the ITV Look North news team and were featured later that day on the national news programme. Once at school, the children received a piece of a giant wooden jigsaw and worked together to build a skeleton showing how walking can build stronger bones and a healthier body.

At another school, two giant banners were unfurled to reveal vibrant artwork designed by Key Stage 1 and 2 children. Leave the car - It's not far! and Keep us safe - Park with care! were the messages to parents.

"The banners are part of a wider campaign by the school to encourage children and parents to walk together and as a result a car-free zone has been created outside the school," said Alison Butterfield , school travel planning advisor.

The week culminated with students from Ferryhill Business & Enterprise College stepping out to launch Sport England's Everyday Sport campaign. School Council representatives toured the school site with the Mayor of Sedgefield and the Mayoress of Ferryhill to view improvements including new cycle park facilities, a cycle route into school, improved footpath lighting, upgraded signage and road crossing facilities.

Free use of the leisure facilities at Redworth Hall Hotel was offered as an extra incentive to encourage parents to view walking as a healthy leisure pursuit.

For further information contact Noreen Youll, 0191 3835592.