SOUTHAMPTON schoolchildren have been stepping out in a national drive to encourage pupils to walk to school.

Infant, junior and primary pupils took part in Walk to School Week - a campaign to encourage children to get to class the traditional way.

The aim of the week was to raise awareness of traffic problems and to highlight the advantages of fewer vehicles on the roads.

Pupils from Woolston Infant and Ludlow Junior School were joined in their walk by Councillor Jill Baston, the city council's Cabinet member for transport.

She said: "Encouraging children to walk to school and providing a safe environment for them to learn about road safety is very important.

"The walking bus initiatives have proved popular with parents, children and teachers. Of course, it would not be possible to operate such schemes without the help and support of volunteers."

Walk to School Week is organised by Travelwise and the Pedestrian Association.

During last year's campaign, nearly 13,000 local children walked to and from school.

National tests indicate that morning pollution levels at the school gate are higher than in city centres. Up to 20 per cent of morning rush-hour traffic is generated by the school run.

Ideas and tips during the campaign include organising a rota with parents, forming a "Walking Bus" scheme and combining walking to school with exercising your dog.

o For more information call Carol Bagshaw, the city council's sustainable travel team manager, on 023 8023 2006.