PUPILS in Hedge End have taken to the streets in the fight against traffic jams and car pollution.

Berrywood Primary School has formed a 'walking bus' to encourage pupils and parents to walk to school rather than use a car or bus.

The pupils still wait at a bus stop with their parents in the morning, but instead of hopping on the bus they join other children on the route and walk safely to the school as a group.

Each child wears a fluorescent band with 'Walking Bus' written on it and is accompanied by parents who take it in turns to walk with the children.

The project was originally tested in May this year and proved so successful that the school now has an infant and a junior walking bus.

Jo Welling, travel plan co-ordinator and teacher at the school, said it's a great way for children to be environmentally friendly and get some daily exercise.

"We now have two walking buses that include about 30 children.

"We are really trying to promote the message of walking to school instead of using a car," she said.

The Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor June Hughes will visit the school tomorrow to praise the walking bus scheme.

"They get to walk in with their friends and speak to each other more before they reach the school and meet in the playground," she said. "It's also much healthier, which is very important as well."

A spokesman for Eastleigh council said the walking bus was one of many travel plans to ease traffic problems in the region, adding: "We have a strong team here and are dedicated to travel plans like the walking bus, and also have park and walk schemes to help to ease congestion."