Pupils across Northumberland have been taking to the streets to mark national Walk to School Week.

Families have been encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘park and stride’ to see the health and well-being benefits that come from these methods of going to and from school, as well as fewer cars outside the school gates.

This year’s challenge, Mission Move, has been encouraging children to travel actively to school every day of the week while meeting friendly cartoon secret agents along the way.

Pupils learned about the important reasons to walk or wheel and its benefits for individuals, communities and the environment.

The schools that took part in Walk to School Week included Ellington Primary School.

placeholder image — The schools that took part in Walk to School Week included Ellington Primary School.

Coun Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for sustainable travel at Northumberland County Council, said: “Walk to School Week is a fantastic opportunity for our children and their families to get outside and get more active.

“Even small steps can have a huge impact on our health and the environment, especially with less cars being on the road.

“It is always good to see the fun and enthusiasm across the county during the week and I hope people have really seen the benefits of more active travel.”

Each day, the Mission Move challenge taught pupils about five important reasons to walk and the impact it can have – including physical and mental health, sustainability, road safety and community.

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, as part of its National Walking Month campaign each May.

The charity says that research shows pupils who get active before the school day are happier and find it easier to focus.