PARENTS are encouraged to get their children walking to school this month as part of International Walk to School Month.

Southend.gov.uk" target="_blank">Southend Council’s road safety team has provided all primary schools in Southend with an information pack to promote walking to school, which helps youngsters reach the recommended daily 60 minutes of activity to benefit their health. About half of children currently don’t walk to school regularly, with 41 per cent driven to school.

The council runs walking buses, where pupils are escorted to school along a set route, picking up more “passengers” at stops along the way.

The road safety team is also working towards training all Year 5 children where they are taken for a short walk showing them how to cross the road safely where there are no pedestrian crossings available.

Each child is given a hi-visibility drawstring bag, to keep them easy to spot during the darker evenings.

Anna Waite, councillor responsible for transport and planning, said: “Walking to school is a brilliant way to get some physical activity and fresh air into your day.

“When children are bundled from front door to car door, they miss out on the opportunity to socialise with friends, get to know their community, and burn off some energy before getting their heads down in the books.”