Pupils at a school in Redcar are putting their best foot forward for Walk to School Week, which starts on Monday.

It is part of a national campaign to encourage children to walk to school.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and BP Chemicals at Wilton will launch the campaign at Coatham Primary School.

All the borough's 46 schools are taking part, which could mean up to 19,000 children getting parents to leave the car at home.

BP Wilton is providing each child with a brightly coloured, tabard so they are clearly visible to motorists on their journeys to and from school.

BP's Geoff Broome said: "This is the fourth year that BP has supported Walk to School Week. We think it is important to instil in children that walking to and from school can be healthy, safe and fun.

"A further benefit to the community is the reduction of car pollution and a safer environment for the children."

Spike, the 6ft tall hedgehog mascot for Redcar and Cleveland council's road safety unit will be encouraging some of the younger children that walking to school can be fun.

Mike Hall, Redcar and Cleveland's road safety officer said: "Walk to School Week has been a huge success in past years, encouraging parents to leave their cars at home and take the healthier, more environmentally friendly option instead.

"The 2001 event shows signs of being just as successful, with all of the local schools pledging their full support."