Students walking their way to health

YOUNGSTERS at a Wearside primary school have been putting their best feet forward.

The children at Barmston Village Primary School in Washington have been taking part in International Walk to School Month.

The school teamed up with housebuilder Barratt North East to encourage pupils to reap the benefits of walking to school during October.

The company, which is building new homes nearby at Teal Park Farm, donated 50 hi- visibility vests and wristbands to all pupils to help keep them safe.

Jane Harman, headteacher at Barmston Village Primary School, said: “We believe walking to school is important and try to encourage as many of our children as possible to do so in a safe and sensible fashion.

“We really appreciate the donation from Barratt Homes.

“Initiatives like this help to get the children excited about walking to school. It not only benefits their health, but they also have the opportunity to burn off some energy before the school day begins.” Mike Roberts, managing director for Barratt North East, said: “We’re delighted to support the campaign. Our new homes developments are located close to schools and, as families move in, it makes perfect sense for us to support Walk to School Month.

“By donating the vests and wristbands, they can stay safe as winter approaches and the dark nights draw in.”

Despite the average distance to a pupil’s primary school being one mile, about 50 per cent of children do not walk to school regu- larly and 41 per cent are driven in cars, even thought it is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Studies have shown that walking to school reduces stress in children and that simply walking one mile a day was found to curb increases in blood pressure and heart rate in later life.

The studies also revealed that 90 per cent of parents who walk to school with their children believe it’s a great way to spend quality time with them and over a third said tha’s when they learn most about the child’s day.