SCHOOLS across Cumbria are encouraging pupils and parents to swap four wheels for two feet and take part in Walk to School Week.

The week of action, from Monday to Friday next week, hopes to encourage people to walk, scooter or cycle instead of using a car.

More than 7,500 children and parents in Cumbria will be joining school pupils from all over the country to join in the celebrations. The theme for 2019 focuses on the benefits of active travel in local communities.

Council officers stress that walking, scooting or cycling to school is a brilliant way to get active and healthy. It is also a great opportunity for children to learn vital road safety skills and make sure they’re alert and ready to learn at the start of a new day.

Judith Aris, the council’s school travel officer, said: “Walk to School Week is always popular with Cumbrian schools – the focus is on fun, active travel and building daily exercise into the school journey. Schools find that their entrances and surrounding streets are less congested during drop off and pick up times, which improves air quality and provides a safer environment.”

Joe Irvin, chief executive of Living Streets who run the national campaign, said: “Walking to school is an easy and free way for children to get active as part of a daily routine. Teachers confirm that pupils who walk to school are more alert, ready to learn and gain better grades than those who come by car.”