WORKERS across the region "legged it" to work as part of a drive to persuade people to leave their cars at home.

Leg It Day began at a brisk pace at Peterlee's Bracken Hill estate as employees from businesses left their cars and walked or cycled to work.

Participants had a breakfast barbecue as a reward.

The event, in its second year, is a joint initiative run by councils across the North-East and North Yorkshire designed to persuade people to get fit and protect the environment.

Ben Dellow, of Durham County Council, said: "One girl said she just lives two miles away and had never cycled to work before, but found out it was quicker."