A HEAD TEACHER has paid tribute to a charity for giving a “lifeline” to families in a deprived part of the North-East by supplying free pairs of walking boots to children.

Alison Johnson, head at Peases West Primary School, at Billy Row, Crook, was speaking at yesterday’s launch of ‘The Big Smile 2022’ by The Walk and Talk Trust.

The charity, supported by The Northern Echo, launched The Big Smile campaign last year, organising a series of fundraising walks, with proceeds being used to buy nearly 1,000 pairs of walking boots for schoolchildren.

One of the schools to benefit was Peases West Primary and, yesterday, staff members from the school were at Raby Castle for the launch of The Big Smile 2022 – a new series of guided fundraising walks for adults taking place this month.

Mrs Johnson said: “This is a really important initiative and it’s been a lifeline for our children. They are in a deprived area and those walking boots have become their shoes. They’re so proud to wear them and they give them the chance to explore their neighbourhood.

“Families have told us how much they appreciate the free boots because they can also pass them down to their younger children.”

Staff from Catchgate Primary School, in Annfield Plain, were also taking part in yesterday’s walk. Teacher Tracey Schofield said “As a school, we’re very strong on mental health and The Big Smile is a wonderful campaign. We wanted to be part of it this year so that we’re seen as role models for our children and inspire them to get out in the countryside and fresh air.”

Peter Bell, the charity’s founder, said “Year one of The Big Smile gave us a fantastic foundation and the aim is to keep up the momentum this year.

“We are all about events, experiences and education and the word is spreading quickly. There are lots more exciting projects in the pipeline that will be announced soon.”

The first walk of the 2022 series – a 20 kilometre circular walk – was sponsored by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, which is part of the Barratts Development Group. Other new sponsors this year are EMG Solicitors, Manolete Partners, and North Group, joining existing sponsors Eversheds Sutherland, Greggs and Newcastle Building Society.

Sophie Brown, Events Manager at Raby Estates, said: “We’ve invested in a new immersive adventure play area located within our Christmas Tree Plantation to encourage outdoor play attracting more families to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. It’s wonderful to be involved with a charity like The Walk and Talk Trust that shares our passion for the health benefits of the great outdoors.”

Money raised during the second year of The Big Smile will be used to buy more boots for North-East children.

To find out more, go to www.bigsmile.co.uk

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