SCHOOL pupils will be taking part in a debate with youngsters from North Yorkshire on walking to school.

Two pupils from Shield Row Primary School, Stanley, and two from Red Rose Primary School, Chester-le-Street, will take on pupils from North Yorkshire in the event at County Hall, Northallerton, on Monday June 22.

The children will debate the motion ‘every child should walk to school for at least part of the journey’ with one speaker from each school in favour of the motion and one against.

After the speeches, the pupils will have the chance to ask questions about what they have heard.

Four judges will assess the content and delivery of the speeches and the winning school will receive a trophy.

Last year children from Newker Primary School, Chester-le-Street, won the trophy when the event was held at County Hall, Durham.

Councillor Bob Young, Durham County Council cabinet member for environment, said: "This cross-border debate gives young people not only the chance to visit a council chamber but also introduces them to the art of debating and speech writing and, most important of all, involves them in researching the issues around walking to school.

"As part of the event, children from Red Rose will walk to Chester-le-Street rail station and take the train to Northallerton which reinforces the event’s message of using green travel.

"The complementary train journey has been very kindly provided by First TransPennine Express and for some children, this will be a new experience.

"Children from Shield Row will travel by coach.

"Hopefully, this event will encourage pupils to consider the issues and make a good decision about the way they travel to school," he said.