PUPILS from a Middlesbrough school took part in the town's first walking bus yesterday in an attempt to cut down on traffic congestion.

Youngsters from Ayresome Primary School made the journey to and from school on the imaginary bus, which had an adult driver at the front and an adult conductor at the back.

The bus picked up passengers at bus stops at pre-arranged times.

The Walking Bus scheme encourages parents to leave their cars at home and walk their children to school in an effort to ease traffic congestion around schools and get children to school safely and on time.

The initiative has been organised by Stacey Watts, learning mentor at the school, with the support of Middlesbrough Council's road safety team.

It is sponsored by Bells Stores which provided high visibility waistcoats for pupils and adults using the bus.

Ros Pluck, the council's travel plan co-ordinator, said: "The Walking Bus is a much better way of getting to school than by car. It's healthier, safer and better for the environment and, as well as making the area around the school gates much safer. It's a great way for young people to learn pedestrian skills."

A second walking bus will start doing the school run for the Breckon Hill Primary School route soon.