Here’s a novelty: walking to school!

children are encouraged to put their best foot forward in a bid to help the environment.

Road safety officers from Oldham Council are urging youngsters to ditch cars for a week and get closer to nature.

A recent report revealed children are more restricted than ever before and this is having a detrimental effect on their understanding of where they live.

The Walk to School Campaign aims to reverse this trend, by asking parents and children to use their feet instead of their cars and get to know their neighbourhood.

Walking to school provides a wide range of benefits such as giving them a sense of place and pride in where they live which will discourage them from dropping litter.

Pupils can also explore different routes to school avoiding main roads and using quieter side roads and footpaths instead of the busy routes used by cars.

By walking to school, children also develop a mental map of the area which is an important part of growing up and gaining confidence. It is especially important when travelling alone in later life.

Elaine McLean, executive director of economy, place and skills said: “It is a great way to practise skills like crossing the road safely and becoming more aware of local surroundings.

“There are also environmental benefits, reducing the number of cars on the road and harmful exhaust emissions.”

Neil Cavanagh, head teacher of Hodge Clough Infant School, added: “Walk to School week is strongly encouraged at our school and I am delighted that the response has been so good this year.

“Many of our pupils have made the effort as they know it is good for their health and good for the environment.”