CHILDREN in Royston have been promoting health and safety - as well as easing traffic congestion by adopting a healthier way of getting to school. Pupils at Tannery Drift School have created a walking bus to get them to and from school as part of the cou

CHILDREN in Royston have been promoting health and safety - as well as easing traffic congestion by adopting a healthier way of getting to school.

Pupils at Tannery Drift School have created a walking bus to get them to and from school as part of the county's Walk to School Week.

A spokesperson for the school said: "Walking buses have several advantages; improving child health, reducing parking problems and providing an opportunity for children to learn road safety skills."

The bus, which will run all week, will pick children up from and drop them off again at designated stops.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "Walking to school is the first step towards making our neighbourhoods less polluted, safer and friendlier.

"Not only does walking provide great daily exercise for both children and parents, it also helps children grow up to be independent as they'll be able to practice vital skills such as crossing the road safely.

"The school run makes up a huge proportion of traffic on the country's roads and if we can encourage more parents and children to walk to school then we will significantly reduce congestion."

Other schools in the area have also been doing their bit for Walk to School Week.

Pupils at Icknield Walk School have been filling in charts and logging how they travel to and from school while Roman Way School will be combining the event with Road Safety Week and inviting a council member to talk to the children on November 8.