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Billion steps challenge for South Wales pupils

Almost 5,000 children from 26 schools across Neath Port Talbot are attempting to walk 1 Billion Steps to School in 50 days between 8 May and 21 July.

The initiative is part of Neath Port Talbot's road safety unit's Safe Routes to School project, and each of the schools has been given an individual target based on the number of pupils at the school.

Each child has been issued with a pedometer and a walking diary to record how many steps they take on journeys to and from school. The aim is to raise awareness of the road safety, ecological and health issues surrounding travel decisions at a young age - in the hope that children will take changes in travel patterns and lifestyles into their adult lives.

The initiative was launched at the Gnoll Rugby Ground in Neath, where 500 children engaged in song and dance routines with Henson Hedgehog, the road safety mascot. Pupils also staged a balloon launch to show that they are 'rising to the challenge' posed by the scheme.  

For further information contact Laurence Darley on 01792 512822, or l.darley@npt.gov.uk