More than half of Yorkshire and Humberside pupils walk to school, according to new statistics.

About 55 per cent of the region's children walk to school which is nine per cent higher than the national average and the second highest in the country, says the Office for National Statistics.

However, the region's roads were also found to be some of the most dangerous, with a rate of 55 fatal and serious accidents per 100,000 people in 2006.

The Bradford Council Walking Bus scheme now runs at seven schools in the district - Aire View Infants in Silsden, Eldwick Primary in Bingley, All Saints School in Ilkley, Parkwood School in Keighley, Wibsey School in Wibsey, St Walburga's in Shipley and Keelham Primary in Den-holme.

Parents drop off their children at designated points where they are met by trained parents and teaching assistants who act as "bus drivers" accompanying the children on the walk.

Cath Smith, a teaching assistant and co-ordinator of the Aireview Walking Bus, said: "It works brilliantly for us. The children enjoy the walk and learn a lot about road safety along the way. We teach them general road safety including safe places to stop and cross."

Two groups from opposite sides of Silsden walk to the school every morning, taking about 20 minutes to cover the short distance, giving the children chance to learn about safety while chatting to each other.

Tansy Whitfield, five, one of the 20 children at the school who takes the bus, said: "We do the walking bus to keep safe and I like walking to school with my friends."

Tansy's mum, Sharon Whit-field, of Dradishaw Road, leads the bus' a couple of days a week. She said: "We've learned things that I'd never otherwise think about, like checking drives, and gaps between cars."

The statistics also showed that 25 per cent of children travel to school by car.

Mrs Whitfield said: "We'll do it in all weathers - you wouldn't believe the amount of parents that get in their cars and drive the short distance."

Teaching assistant Ruth Tilley, who also helps run the procedure, said: "It gives the children a chance to mingle with adults and other children.

"And of course it keeps them healthy and it's good for the environment."

Huma Rahman, senior road safety officer for Bradford Council, said: "The fact that so many children in our area walk to school is great news for all involved - parents and children."