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Walk to school 2006 - part two

Here's the second installment of our Walk to School Week 2006 (22 - 26 May) roundup. We will run a final instalment next week if we receive further reports.

Caerphilly
Pupils at a primary school in Risca did their bit by signing up to a new Walking Bus scheme, which was officially launched during WTS Week.

Cabinet member for education, councillor David Hardacre, said: "Initiatives like the Walking Bus are a key part of our efforts to encourage pupils to lead healthy, active lifestyles."

Durham
New Walking Buses, giant storybooks, jingles and village trails helped to promote WTS Week in Durham.

Over 40 children from Chester-le-Street Primary and South Pelaw Infants walked to school with parents, staff, council representatives and community police officers. Children made their own raps about the journey to school and chanted them during a fun assembly.

Similar Park and Stride events took place at Crook Primary and Etherley Lane Primary. Hundreds of children parked away from school at specific prearranged points, and then walked to school. Children enjoyed meeting Sam, the county's 'safer, greener, fitter' mascot.

Nature trails and picnics were on the agenda for the younger children at Cotherstone Primary and Crag Head Children's Centre. Durham County Council joined up with Groundwork West Durham to launch Tots on Tour; an initiative to encourage children and parents to enjoy local green spaces and the great outdoors.

The council also hosted a health walk with observation trail for Year 5 pupils at Murton Jubilee and Murton Primary Schools. Nick Gillingham, an Olympic silver medallist in swimming, led the walk and encouraged children to stay fit and active.

Hampshire
More than 300 schools and 74,000 pupils from across Hampshire took part in WTS Week.

Children collected stickers for each day they walked to school, and participants received a certificate at the end of the week to mark their efforts.

Other activities included a local radio station joining children from Balksbury Infant School in Andover on their walk to school. The children reminded listeners about safe places to cross. RSOs also visited Gomer Infant School in Gosport to give an assembly reflecting the current THINK! hedgehog campaign Watch out even on roads you know.

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