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Millions predicted to participate in IWALK

Several million children and their families from around the world are expected to support International Walk to School Week, which takes place 3-7 October.

Thousands of schools across more than 30 countries will organise walk to school promotional activities and events during the week in an effort to reduce the number of short car trips on the daily school-run.

The aim of International Walk to School Week is to raise awareness of the positive health, safety and environmental benefits gained from regular walking to school, and to encourage families to participate in local walk to school promotional events - and share their experiences with a global audience.

Jo Pike, UK walk to school co-ordinator says: "The UK's focus for IWALK week is building healthy hearts through regular walking to school.

"Pupils across the UK will be asked to wear red or hold red card and form heart shapes in their school playgrounds as a symbol of the importance of taking regular exercise.

"In 1985-86, 67% of UK children aged 5-10 years walked to school, but by 1999-2000 this figure had fallen to 54%. Over the same period, the percentage of primary school children driven to school has increased from 22% to 39% - and this has impacted on the number of children who are overweight or obese."

For further information visit the IWALK website, www.iwalktoschool.org