A BRIGHTLY coloured "crocodile" crawled through Edlesborough when youngsters helped launch a new safer route to school.

Pupils coming from Ivinghoe Aston can now use a picturesque short-cut along a bridleway. The official opening, attended by local councillors and VIPs, was timed to coincide with an initiative aimed at encouraging less car use.

To celebrate the success of the new bridleway children who regularly walk on the crocodile – the walking bus - to Edlesborough school were invited to attend a special opening event.

More than 50 children, along with members of the school travel plan working group, parish council and other residents walked along a short stretch of the bridleway. Avril Davies, Bucks county councillor for Edlesborough, and Valerie Letheren, cabinet member for Transportation, then officially opened the bridleway (pictured above).

The crocodile then continued to school for a bridleway breakfast followed by a special assembly celebrating the school's success at reducing congestion.

Cllr Letheren said: "This launch event celebrates a wonderful success story.

"Due to the commitment of the school to reduce their congestion, they now have a much improved bridleway that can be enjoyed by many families in the local area."