BURNLEY council is hoping its latest member of staff will be ringing the changes as far as the school run is concerned.

A new post of travel to school officer has been approved by council bosses and one of their first jobs will be to set up "walking buses" at primary schools right across the borough.

Walking buses consist of parent volunteers with a "driver" at the front and "conductor" at the rear following a set route to schools picking up child "passengers" on the way.

The project aims to improve children's health and fitness through walking to school, cutting road accident figures, reducing traffic congestion at school gates and give children a better understanding of road safety.

It will also help the environment by reducing car journeys.

The travel to school officer is a temporary post funded by the Government's New Opportunities Fund for the next two years. Volunteers will be trained and parents will have to sign a consent form before children can take part.

Coun Peter Kenyon, the council's executive member for best value and resources, said: "Many people have become concerned in recent years at the decreasing amount of exercise being taken by children and the congestion caused by the school run. Walking buses offer a safe, healthy way of tackling both these problems."

For further details on how to take part in the walking bus scheme contact the council's health and fitness development officer Linda Searle on 01282 477222.