YOUNGSTERS are making their way to school on a bus with a difference.

Sunderland City Council is piloting the walking bus initiative this week to persuade more parents to walk their children to school.

The scheme involves youngsters walking to school in pairs, with one parent at the front acting as the driver and another at the back as the conductor.

Children are picked up and dropped off at bus stops along a pre-determined route and, just like a normal bus it will not wait for passengers who are late.

The idea was developed in Hertfordshire, where it has already proved a great success, and Sunderland is one of the first councils in the North-East to set up the scheme.

Road safety officer Amelia Forrester said: "Most parents, guardians and carers who drive their children to school do so in the belief that it is in the best interests of their child and feel there is no adequate alternative. But if it takes off, we believe the walking bus could actually improve children's safety.

"Walking to school gives parents, guardians and carers the chance to teach their children vital road safety skills, at the same time as enjoying quality time with them.

"We are hoping that the pilot will convince children and parents of the benefits of the walking bus, and, if we can get enough parents to sign up for a rota, it could become a permanent feature in some of our schools."

The bus will also help improve youngsters' health and will reduce congestion at the school gates.

The week-long walking bus pilot was launched yesterday to coincide with the start of Walk to School Week 2001.