COUNCIL officials across Tees Valley have joined forces to promote a no-car day in the summer.

The 2003 Leg-it campaign encourages people to walk or cycle to school or work.

Council chief executives George Garlick, from Stockton, Colin Moore, from Redcar and Cleveland, Brian Dinsdale, from Middlesbrough, Barry Keel, from Darlington, and Peter Scott, head of regeneration at Hartlepool, will all be donning their trainers to help promote the event.

They want to persuade people to take part in Leg-it Day, on Thursday, June 12.

The campaign is part of a region-wide local authority initiative, which aims to improve health, save money, and help the environment.

Mr Garlick said: "With spring upon us, the mornings and evenings are getting lighter, so it is a great time of year to think about changing your habits for the better.

"We want people to open their minds to the options available to them and think about the effects their car-reliance is having on their health and that of their families and community.

"Aside from escalating cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases caused by emissions, lack of regular exercise is a major cause of heart disease."

For further information, visit www.legitday.com