PARENTS and children in Richmondshire are being urged to ditch the car and walk to school.

North Yorkshire Council is calling on its primary and secondary schools to create a five-minute walking zone.

It is hoped the move will encourage parents who take their children in cars to make the last part of their journey on foot.

In a report to councillors, Geoff Gardner, the authority's travel awareness officer, said: "Although many parents in rural areas must drive to school, almost everyone could walk the last part of the journey, thus clearing the school gate of congestion and providing regular daily exercise.

"Knowing exactly where a five-minute zone is, gives parents confidence that they need not be late and indeed it can be quicker than searching for a parking space.

"Best of all, with obesity and diabetes on the increase, five minutes spent walking with children could be adding five minutes to life expectancy for adults and children."

In pilot schemes in North Yorkshire, the five-minute zone has proved a success.

At one school, the number of cars parked outside the school gate reduced from 50 to ten.

About 30,000 children in North Yorkshire are driven to school. The council hopes to get 10,000 of these pupils walking the last five minutes.