PARENTS are being urged to take the time to walk their children to school instead of using the car.
National walk to school week, now in it’s 13th year, is teaming up with a Change 4 Life campaign, ‘walk ‘n’ talk’, to get pupils and parents pounding the pavements.
The week long campaign, which starts on Monday, aims to highlight the social side of walking to school, which gives children the opportunity to chat with family and friends while getting fit and healthy.
Walking to school also teaches children road safety and helps them get to know their neighbourhood.
Rachel Johns, Associate Director of Public Health for NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: "Walking to school is a great way to get some fresh air and some activity into the day.
"It's an opportunity for children to spend quality time with their parents or carers, socialising with friends and burning off their excess energy before settling down in the classroom."
It is estimated that 41 per cent of children in the UK are driven to school on a regular basis, despite the fact that the journey is often less than one mile.
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