AN environmental charity has called on schoolchildren in Derwentside to walk to school until the end of next month.

Acorn Trust has made the appeal as part of Durham County Council's Walk to School Initiative, which begins on Monday.

The charity will coordinate events to fit in with the needs of school timetables. Activities include recording sights and sounds on the way to school, and keeping a diary.

Classroom activities can be tied directly into the national curriculum, as there are a range of aspects covering all topics.

Consett County Junior School's year four took part in walk-to-school activities in July, and tied lessons of maths and English to their activities.

Pupils did surveys and designed leaflets explaining the benefits of walking to school.

Schools in Derwentside interested in taking part have been urged to contact Joe Bussey on (01207) 582600 or e-mail acorntrustplan, has