ST STEPHENS Primary School in Launceston has taken a big stride towards green travel with the ­introduction of a new 'Walking Bus.'

The walking bus was officially launched yesterday (Wednesday), with the help of the county council's Travel Awareness team's mascot 'Billy the Boots.'

A Walking Bus is a parent/school supported project where trained volunteers escort children to and from school along a set route. The scheme is designed to encourage children who would normally be driven to school to walk part of the way on foot.

Even those children who cannot walk to school because they live too far away or their parents work can benefit from a walking bus scheme by being ­driven to the start point of the Walking Bus then walking the remainder of the way. It will allow their children to take part in this crucial childhood

experience.

The Walking Bus parent volunteers and children, will wear high visibility tabards for safety on loan from Cornwall County Council, will start from by the Roundhouse in Newport Square and walk up St Stephens Hill, ­collecting children along the route to the school pedestrian entrance in Roydon Road.

Matt McTaggart, Cornwall County Coun­cil's Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, who is very ­supportive of walking and cycling schemes, said: "A Walking Bus is a fantastic opportunity for children to travel to school in a safe, fun and environmentally friendly way. Walking Buses can make a big

difference and the parent volunteers, children and school are to be congratulated for their enthusiastic support of the scheme."

John Mellor, the council's Senior School Travel Plan Officer, added: "The hard work put in by pupils, parents and teachers at the school in and organising the Walking Bus is producing results. It is important that we encourage more children to walk to school as it can provide many benefits to children,

parents and the school including a reduction of traffic congestion, especially at the school gates.

"Walking to school can establish a good pattern of exercise from an early age to encourage a more active lifestyle and improved ­general fitness."

Will Hermon, headteacher at St Stephens Primary School, said: "Walking to school is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, improved fitness, less ­pollution and improved road safety around the school ground.

"I will be encouraging and supporting everyone in their endeavours to improve the congestion and safety at the school entrance. I am very keen for as many of our pupils to join the initiative as ­possible."

The experience of those using the Walking Bus shows children are more receptive to learning if they walk to school rather than being driven. They also get a chance to learn and use life skills on the way to school, whereas if they travel by car they do not get the opportunity to interact with other children or learn traffic awareness.