EDGING your way around grid-locked Lancaster you may have missed it but it was Walk to School Week this week. The county-wide scheme to encourage children and parents to walk to school rather than use the car was organised to help Lancashire's traffic-choked roads. Locally three schools took part with teachers and staff also joining in the campaign to help improve the environment.

Pupils at Ryelands School had a special assembly where alternatives to the private car were explained by headteacher Brian Penney.

He said: "It is noticeable in Lancaster that the traffic isn't as bad during school holidays but even when the schools are off it's still appalling.

People recognise that we need to do something but everyone has an excuse as to why they need to use their cars.

Most of our children walk to school but a lot of people use there cars for journeys that are less than a mile. If nothing is done then our children will pay dearly in years to come."

Across the country, 200,000 children and parents took part in the County Council initiative which was sponsored by Reebok.

Said Highways Chairman, Cllr Richard Toon: "We are recognised as a leading authority for organising events for schools which promote more environmentally friendly forms of transport. I would encourage parents to leave their cars at home and walk with their children to school. Walking to school has many positive aspects. It is a good form of exercise and can help to reduce pollution as their are less cars on the road."

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