CHILDREN have been given a big incentive to keep fit while helping to save the environment.

The Friends of the Walking Train initiative at Abbey Road Infant School, Darlington, was established last year and is proving a major success.

It runs alongside the Walking Train scheme, which has been on the go for three years, encouraging pupils living along two designated routes to walk to and from school.

The Friends' scheme allows pupils not on those routes to also join in the fun.

Pupils who walk or cycle to school are awarded a stamp in their Friends of the Walking Train book.

Earning a stamp each day helps pupils progress through a series of seven rainbow badges, one awarded for every 25 stamps received, and work towards receiving the Friends of the Walking Train gold badge.

Headteacher Elaine McCue said: "The Friends of the Walking Train has already become a great success.

"We wanted to make sure the children got involved in a sustainable project which they can work at achieving throughout the school terms.

"The gold badge can easily be achieved whilst they are with us in the infant school.

"I am very pleased with the pupils' enthusiasm and progress - I am awarding about six coloured badges a day at the moment, which is great news".