YOUNGSTERS who have braved the rain and the cold to walk to school every day this term are being rewarded with a trip to the pantomime.

Five children from Neville's Cross Primary School, in Durham, are getting tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at the Gala Theatre, for using the school's walking buses.

The tickets are part of an incentive scheme by the school's walking bus supervisors and co-ordinator and Durham County Council's school travel planning team.

Bob Pendlebury, council cabinet member for transport and sustainability, said: "The school was unique in that it was not only the first in the county to have two walking buses but it was also the first to introduce an incentive scheme to reward pupils and parents who choose to park away from the school and walk the rest of the way."

Bus co-ordinator Clare Holliman said: "The success of the bus depends on the help given by parent volunteers who take turns to walk with the children. Their enthusiasm has been fantastic this term, despite the cold weather.

"We plan to continue the incentive scheme next term and hope to sign up more families."

Headteacher Hazel Bullock said: "I'm delighted that the Gala Theatre has given such positive backing. It's very generous of them to support us and helps give a clear message that walking is fun, healthy and environmentally sound."