Thousands of schoolchildren across Herefordshire will ditch their parents’ car for the open air as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at improving our youngsters’ health by walking to school.
Nearly 9,000 children will take part in the county’s “Walk to School Week” between May 23 – 27.
As part of the campaign schoolchildren from all over the country were asked to design their own special badge.
Year 6 pupil Thomas James, 10, of Peterchurch Primary School, near Hereford, was one of the 12 lucky winners who beat off strong competition from 7,000 other hopefuls.
His colourful logo of a brightly coloured foot will now be featured in badges that will be worn by children across the country.
Herefordshire Council’s School Travel Adviser, Linda Sinker, said there were huge benefits to gain by walking to school.
“The facts are clear, walking is a great way for children and parents to start their day,” she said.
“In Herefordshire 8, 713 pupils will take part in this year’s Walk to School Week. In total that’s 45 primary schools and one secondary school.
“This is the first year that a secondary school in Herefordshire will participate in the programme and we are delighted that Aylestone Secondary School are getting behind the initiative.”
25 students from Aylestone school have been issued with pedometers so they can measure the distance they walk to school during the week.
Walk to School Week is a bi-annual event introduced by the Government and supported by Herefordshire Council’s Children’s Services. The aim of the campaign is to improve the nation’s health while reducing the volume of cars on the road.
Surveys have shown that 67 per cent of youngsters aged between 5 – 10 walked to school in 1985 compared to 54 per cent in 2000.
Headteacher of Peterchurch Primary School, Candyce Garlick, said: "Walk to School is a marvellous initiative which encourages children and parents out of the car.
“It is also an ideal opportunity for parents to socialise with one another. The campaign fits in well with the school ethos here at Peterchurch primary.
“Everyone is delighted that Thomas was one of the winners in the national competition. It really encourages other pupils here when they see someone else receive such recognition.”
Thomas James added: ”I got my inspiration from some art work on separating shades. I didn't think I'd win.
“I think the competition is a really good idea to help stop pollution and get people fit.”
National Walk to School Week Co-ordinator, Jo Pike, said: “More than 2 million parents and children will leave their car at home to support “Walk to School Week “.
“What’s more, children will be learning all about the human body and the importance of being physically active.
“Nearly two thirds of parents and grandparents said their children were not getting enough exercise, a survey for the Government’s “Travelling to School” initiative discovered.”