Bracknell

School children across Bracknell Forest put their best foot forward last week, as part of International Walk to School Week.

Activities during the fun filled week included dressing up or using specially-donated pedometers as they got to school on foot.

Promotion of the week was aided by a poster designed by Bracknell Harmans Water Primary School pupil Lucy Spencer, nine, who has been presented with a special framed version by Bracknell Council’s travel plan co-ordinator Phillip Burke.

At College Town Infant and Junior Schools, pupils were encouraged to ‘park and stride’. The scheme means children who live too far away to walk all the way to school can be dropped off at a safe place - Sandhurst Sports Centre - so they can walk part of the way.

As it was also book week at Holly Spring Infant School, on Wednesday children walked to school dressed as characters from their favourite book. Each child was given a special bookmark on a walk to school theme.

Bracknell Holly Spring headteacher Ann Cowley said: "We are currently developing our School Travel Plan which aims to encourage more children to walk to school on a regular basis.

"Walk to School week is a great opportunity to encourage children to walk, and because its also book week, this is an excellent way to combine the two.”

Health visitors from Bracknell Forest PCT also helped 30 pre-schools take part in the walking campaign.

Pupils from Uplands Primary School counted their steps as they walked to school, thanks to special educational packs of pedometers donated by ICS Communications from Ascot.

The packs, which can be loaned to schools, include 32 step-counters and a workbook with lesson ideas.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and the Environment, said: "Walking to school is a really easy way to take regular exercise part of a daily routine, as well as reducing traffic on our roads and benefiting the environment.

"The step counters can help children understand more about the physical activity they take, and brings the subject of walking into the classroom."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council