DOZENS of pupils, parents and grandparents braved blustery weather yesterday to take part in International Walk to School Day.

Pupils from Bullion Lane Primary School and Newker Primary School, Chester-le-Street, took part in the event to promote physical activity, safer communities and cleaner environments.

The children were accompanied along Waldridge Way to their schools by Durham county councillor Brian Ebbatson.

School travel planning adviser Noreen Youll said several schools across County Durham were taking part.

Ms Youll said: "The initiative looks at measures including improving the road safety aspects associated with the pupils' journey to school, better street lighting, traffic calming measures and new pathways for pedestrians."

All schools participating in the Walk to School Week have been given related activities for the classroom.

Ms Youll said: "By reducing the number of short car trips on their way to and from school, pupils from the schools in Chester-le-Street have helped reduce the car emissions which affect climate change."