A walking bus scheme has been launched in Stockton.

The scheme has been launched by the Here For You project, funded by Stockton's Children's Fund, in partnership with the Children North-East charity.

Stockton Borough Council's road safety team is supporting the scheme, which is being piloted at St John the Baptist CE School in the town.

Road safety officer Mike Edwards said: "Any project that encourages children and their parents to look at alternative methods of getting to school is beneficial to both the school and the local community."

Here for You project leader Alex Swainston said: "There are so many benefits to the walking bus scheme, such as providing help to parents with hectic lifestyles, increased attendance at school, improving children's awareness of road safety issues and encouraging children's physical well-being through exercise.

Any parent or resident who can support the scheme is asked to call (01642) 678476.