ABOUT 20 youngsters will be putting their best foot forward later this week when they step out to launch their school's first "walking bus".

Children and parents from Shincliffe CE Primary School, will launch the service on Thursday.

The walking bus route starts in Whitwell Acres, in High Shincliffe, and makes its way to the school in Beal Walk, with adult volunteers escorting the pupils to pre-arranged "bus stops" where they will pick up more passengers.

The school has been working in conjunction with Durham County Council's travel planning team to develop the service.

The aim of the bus is to help reduce traffic congestion outside of the school and increase the amount of walking on the journey to school.

The county council's road safety team has provided training for adult volunteers, supplied high-visibility jackets and carried out a risk assessment on the route.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, the county council's cabinet member for transport and sustainability, said: "Not only are the pupils benefiting from the social interaction and increased road safety awareness that walking can bring, but they are also encouraging parents to park away from school, so reducing traffic congestion around it.

"The children also arrive at school fully alert and ready for the day ahead."

Sam, the county council's walking mascot, will greet the children when they arrive and take part in a special assembly presented by the school travel planning and road safety teams.