AROUND 150,000 children across Lancashire ditched bikes, buses and cars, and strode to school on foot as part of National Walk to School Week.

Organised locally by the county council's TravelWise, the scheme has become an important date in the school calendar since it was launched four years ago.

Participating schools have the chance to win £1,000 worth of computer equipment.

To have a chance of winning the prize, schools must achieve a sizeable shift away from car use and use plenty of imagination. TravelWise Walk events aim to encourage pupils to walk to school. rather than travelling by car.

County Councillor Richard Toon, Lancashire's highways and transportation committee chairman, said: "Walking to school is beneficial for two reasons. Walking provides good regular exercise and gives children the chance to practice the Green Cross Code.

"Many schools suffer from problems of traffic congestion which not only increase the chance of accidents but also concentrates pollution outside school gates."

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