STUDENTS took to the streets of Durham to prove you don't need a car to get about the city.

Members of Durham University's People and Planet Society, dedicated to green and humanitarian issues, declared Tuesday Curb Car Culture Day.

They paraded through the city centre - some pushing bikes - to show people that there are alternatives to the car.

The group is concerned that exhaust emissions from the growing number of vehicles around the world is contributing to global warming.

Society president Ruth Baker said: "This campaign is not about making people stop using their car, it's about using it more responsibly.

"Two-thirds of car journeys in Britain are under two miles, which is an astounding figure as people walk or cycle that far.

"People say they need their car to get about Durham but it is such a small place that most journeys can be made on foot or on bike.

"Even a small change in people's attitude can make a big difference. The Government really has to start taking this issue more seriously but we have to do things ourselves, we have to campaign for change.''

The campaigners proceeds from the Student Union building in New Elvet to Prebends Bridge, handing out leaflets to passers-by as they went.