SCHOOL pupils enjoyed a hobbit themed walk this week as part of a new campaign to get moving and keep fit.

The special walk was the latest part of Durham County Council’s MEGA Motion campaign, but was a new experience for Sunnybrow Primary pupils, who are taking part in the scheme for the first time this year.

The campaign aims to encourage children to walk, scoot or ride to school to make them aware of the health and environmental benefits from an early age.

Aliesha Summers, nine, won a MEGA Motion competition to decide which famous hero or villain should accompany them and was rewarded with Bilbo Baggins himself escorting the pupils as they made their way to school.

MEGA Motion mascot Sam also joined in the fun along with members of Willington Town Council and local Police Community Support Officers.

Councillor Neil Foster, council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “MEGA Motion is a brilliant scheme, helping our children to stay healthy and teaching them all about environmentally friendly ways of travel from a young age.

“It’s great to see the kids enjoy such a memorable day and we’d like to wish them all good luck in their quest to become MEGA Heroes.”