Bracknell

Children from Fox Hill Primary School, Bracknell demonstrated their support of Walk to School week by showing that getting to school by foot makes a healthy heart.

They are among school pupils throughout Bracknell Forest who are asking their parents to leave the car at home and opt instead for a healthy stroll to school.

There will also be special assemblies in Bracknell schools throughout the week where speakers from the Council and Bracknell Forest Primary Care Trust will explain the health and environmental benefits of walking.

Walk to School week is promoting the fact that fewer cars making the regular morning trip will also mean those who are walking will be breathing cleaner air in a safer environment. More than two million children from across the country are expected to take part.

A poster which is being used in schools and libraries to promote Walk to School week was designed by a pupil from Crowthorne CE school. Ellen Hodges has been presented with a framed copy of it by the Council's school travel advisor Phillip Burke.

Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "Walking to school is a simple way for children to get some of the 60 minutes moderate exercise recommended for them.

"Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease, diabetes and asthma, and it also helps build strong bones which is essential when young people are growing."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council