School children across the district this week are taking to streets and urging their parents to leave their cars at home as part of Walk to School week.

The annual event is aimed at making families think about the benefits of walking to school on their health and the environment.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's environment spokesman, said: "This is a great opportunity for young people to get into the habit of walking to school.

"Walking regularly helps to improve children's road safety and personal awareness skills as well as reducing congestion on the roads and it is healthier for them.

"I hope that as many youngsters as possible make the journey on foot and enjoy the experience and keep it up."

Clayton C of E Primary School, on Bradford Road, is encouraging all pupils to walk to school this week. Yesterday staff, parents and pupils met up at Victoria Park to walk into school together in a walking bus.

Head teacher Michael Joyce explained that the school had sent out questionnaires to the whole school asking how they travelled in each morning. He said the results showed that around 50 per cent walked to school and about 50 per cent were driven in. Mr Joyce is hoping that when they carry out another survey in a few weeks time the figures will show more children walking to school than coming in by car.

"We want to reduce the number that come in by car," said Mr Joyce.

"We want pupils and parents to walk into school every day and not just for this week. We're hoping that this week gets them into the habit of walking so that we can reduce the number of cars around school."

Bradford Council's road safety officers have provided information to the schools that can be used in assemblies, newsletters for parents and stickers to hand out to children.

Road safety officer, Sue Snoddy, said the week was about getting children to walk to school and encouraging them to do it all year round.

"It's healthier for the children, it's non-polluting and is also cheaper for parents if they don't have to use their cars. Plus it's friendlier because you can talk to your friends as you walk," said Sue.

"It also gives the children the chance to learn road safety at school."

Walk to School week runs until Friday.

e-mail: sunita.bhatti@bradford.newsquest.co.uk