TODAY sees the start of National Walk to School week with thousands of pupils across Hampshire expected to take part.

During the week youngsters and parents will be encouraged to walk to school where possible, rather than using the car.

Samantha Ferris, Southampton's School Travel Plan Officer, said: "We believe that young people benefit from getting outside and spending time with their parents, while helping the environment.

"Children who do not live close enough to school to walk all the way could ask parents to park cars further from school and then walk the rest of the way."