Pupils jump feet first into school challenge

Parents ditch their cars for week

These Paisley pupils are strides ahead by taking part in Walk to School Week.

The youngsters from St Paul’s Primary, in Foxbar, are taking part in the national challenge by encouraging their parents to leave the car at home and walk instead.

Across Renfrewshire, several schools are taking part in the event, run by charity Living Streets.

Paisley’s West Primary is currently top of the Scottish leaderboard for schools with more than 250 pupils. Most pupils walk to school and have bagged themselves some goodies through the project.

St Catherine’s, St Anne’s, Inchinnan, Howwood and Ki r k l a n d n e u k p r ima r y schools have also all made the leaderboard for encouraging children to walk and logging their journeys with Living Streets.

Councillor Jim Paterson, convener for education and children’s services, said: “Walking to school can improve both physical and mental health, and has been shown to have long-term benefits.

“Walking is more important than ever – it helps reduce stress, reduce traffic at school gates and improves pupils’ ability to learn.

“Pupils across Renfrewshire are taking part in this five-day walking challenge, and I hope this event encourages more schools to take part in the year-round walking challenge by Living Streets.

“St Paul’s Primary School pupils have already been doing that walking challenge and the pupils say they enjoy it.”

A mum of a pupil at St Paul’s is encouraging more parents to ditch the car if they can.

She said: “Geoffrey began walking to school when he was four years old.

“It only takes a few minutes and we chat as we walk. He is also learning to say good morning to others along the way.

“If you live within walking distance, I would urge you to walk to school with your kids.

“It helps with bonding and fosters an adventurous spirit.”

Walk to School week ends today but school packs are available all year round.

For more information, go to www.livingstreets.org.uk

Renfrewshire Council and Living Streets have a partnership to develop active travel, which