PRIMARY schoolchildren and their parents are being encouraged to take part in a scheme to boost health and cut back on congestion.

Cleves Cross Primary School, in Ferryhill, has started a "park-and-stride"

walking bus project.

Pupils who wish to take part meet at Ferryhill Leisure Centre and are escorted to school on foot by counciltrained volunteers.

Headteacher Alison Lazenby said that the aim is to have fewer cars dropping children outside school which causes pollution and congestion.

"It also encourages children to get some daily exercise and fresh air. It's seen as a good time for social interaction and also road safety skills are reinforced through correct practice," she said.

"Thirteen children joined the bus on the first morning, with six cars dropping off at the local leisure centre car park instead of school, so already that is 30 fewer cars a week congesting the area outside of school."

On the first run, Sam the walking bus mascot met the children when they arrived at school.

Volunteer parents Lindsey Ray and Katherine Mountford acted as "driver and conductor" of the bus.

The school was recently awarded the National Healthy Schools Award for its work on pupils' physical health and general well-being.