Children are being urged to brave the bad weather for Walk to School week.

Every primary school and nursery in the district is being encouraged to take part in the event, which runs until Friday.

Bradford Council's Road Safety Unit has sent information on the benefits of walking to school to all primaries and nurseries.

Council bosses are urging parents to encourage their children to stay healthy by walking to school.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member for the environment said: "This is an excellent opportunity for youngsters to get into the habit of walking to school and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

"Walking also helps reduce traffic problems outside the school gates and pollution, so it has to be encouraged."

One Bradford primary school has led the way by sending letters home to parents asking all pupils to walk or cycle to school today.

Allerton Primary School, in Garforth Street, Allerton, is bidding for Healthy School status and earlier this year staged a week of events to promote healthy living.

It was aiming to make Garforth Street a "traffic free" zone today as all parents, pupils and staff were asked to walk to school.

Lesley Barrett, the school's health and safety manager, said: "The car park will be empty because none of the staff will dare come in.

"If people live further away then they are being asked to leave their cars a 15-minute walk away. If it works then there should be no traffic at all outside the school."

Allerton headteacher Sharon Lambert said: "This should help children learn about road safety and we are asking parents to talk to their children about what is safe and dangerous along the route."

Bradford Council's road safety officer, Sue Snoddy, said: "It is great to see schools are taking part and pushing the numerous benefits of walking rather than using the car."

e-mail: john.roberts@bradford.newsquest.co.uk