SIX Darlington schools will receive thousands of pounds to implement green travel plans.

The plans will detail ways to reduce car travel, improve the environment for walkers and cyclists and encourage car sharing.

The schools to get funding for travel plans are Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School, Dodmire Infant and Junior schools, Heathfield Primary School, St Teresa's RC Primary School and Hummersknott School and Language College.

The schools do not know yet how much they will receive but, on average, primary schools receive £3,750 plus £5 for every pupil and secondary schools get £5,000 plus £5 for every pupil.

In a survey earlier this year, 26 per cent of Darlington's schoolchildren said their main method of travelling to and from school was by car as the only passenger.

The figure rose to 33 per cent for primary schools.

Walking was the most popular way to get to school with about 56 per cent of students regularly walking, but the number of children who regularly cycle was under one per cent.

The schools' plans aim to make it safer for those children already walking and cycling and encourage more pupils to join in.

Councillor Nick Wallis, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Our officers have worked hand-in-hand with the schools to ensure that the completed plans have involved everyone and will help address the issues closest to the hearts of pupils, parents, and local residents."