YOUNGSTERS and their parents are being urged to leave the car behind and walk to school next week.

Stockton Borough Council's road safety team has drafted in the support of mascot Arnie the Armadillo to encourage pupils and parents to walk to school as part of International Walk to School Week.

From October 4 to 8, there will be a series of events to mark Walk to School Week and it is hoped pupils from as many schools as possible will sign up.

Schools will be asked to carry out a travel survey so road safety officers can judge travel patterns of school children, and one pupil will win a Game Boy Advance.

During the week, Arnie will be out and about across the borough, teaching youngsters how to behave safely on and near roads. On Wednesday, Arnie will walk along Upsall Grove, in Fairfield, to Holy Trinity CofE School.

For details, call George Callaghan on (01642) 526735.