Leedon, Linslade and Heathwood schools are part of 19 schools in Bedfordshire that have been awarded £16,000 to encourage pupils to cut down on school traffic congestion by walking to school.

Part of the initiative could see the schools setting up walking buses. This is where parents and teachers meet up a short distance from their schools to walk their children to school.

Hazel Farlam, head teacher of Linslade Lower School, said: "By encouraging parents to leave cars at home and walk to school we can limit the number of cars on the road and the number of vehicles parking around schools. This is beneficial for the safety of children arriving and departing school and good for our environment.

"Plus we cannot underestimate the benefits in health terms of children walking to school. It helps youngsters concentrate at school and exercise helps children develop
physically."

County Councillor Rita Drinkwater, Cabinet member for Education, said: "Walking buses are so simple yet so effective. Anyone who drives during the rush hour will know how busy our roads can become. And traffic building up around school gates can be dangerous, especially for young children.

"Walking is the most environmentally friendly form of transport. It cuts back on congestion and fumes plus the children taking part will benefit from the extra daily exercise. My thanks go to all those parents and children that are already members of walking buses and I hope this money will be used to encourage even more of them to take part."