ALMOST 11,000 Middlesbrough schoolchildren are expected to take to the streets for Walk to School Week on Monday.

The town's 31 primary schools will be involved in the event, which aims to encourage parents and children to walk to school in an effort to create healthier and safer environments.

The school run accounts for a major part of the rush hour traffic, contributing to congestion, pollution and accidents.

"We want to change people's travel habits, which will benefit the whole community," said Ros Pluck, school plan travel co-ordinator for Middlesbrough Council.

"Walking to school will help children get their recommended daily exercise, making them fitter and healthier, and they will also find they will learn more about the area they live in while they are walking."

"Parents will avoid the frustrating battle through congestion to park near the school as well as having the opportunity to meet other parents and enjoy a chat."

In 1975-76, only 12 per cent of children were taken to school by car in the UK, but recent local authority surveys indicate that almost half of primary school children are taken to school by car.

Middlesbrough Council's survey last year showed that 35 per cent of youngsters got a lift to school.