HUNDREDS of pupils are stepping out in a healthy initiative by taking part in National Walk to School Week.

The campaign this year is focusing on making drivers more aware of children walking to and from school.

'Walking or cycling instead of being ferried by car does a great deal more for children than simply easing congestion at the school gate,' said Cheshire's environment executive member Andrew Needham.

'Not only does it make good sense for the environment, but also enables the children to chat to friends and gain more knowledge about road safety issues.

'Indeed, last year our own survey showed that nearly 40% of Cheshire children preferred to walk or cycle to school rather than travel by car.'

County Councillor Needham added: 'Almost one-in-three junior school pupils who arrived by car lived 15 minutes away from the school.

'This week in particular we ask the thousands of parents and carers who drive to school to either leave the car at home or drive part of the way and walk the rest. And we would also like drivers to be more vigilant near schools, especially at peak times of the day, so that they are more aware of children and can curb the speed of their vehicle accordingly.'

The event began on Monday and runs until Friday. Among the local schools taking part are Hartford Manor CP School, Leaf Lane Infant and Nursery, Lostock Gralam Primary, Over St John's, St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Weaverham Forest Primary, Wharton Junior School, Willow Wood Juniors and Wincham Primary School in the Northwich and Winsford areas, and Cledford Junior School in Middlewich.