Hundreds of pupils are walking to school this month as part of the national Walk to School month which takes place throughout May.

Every primary school in the Falkirk Council area is taking part in this year’s campaign to help improve levels of health and fitness and the local environment.

Last year 41% of primary school pupils walked to school with a further 8% of pupils cycling or scooting/skating to school.  Falkirk is almost in line with the national average of 50% of pupils travelling to school on foot.

There is a growing network of new paths in and around schools which are lit, well maintained and gritted in the winter and can be used throughout the year.

Councillor Alan Nimmo, spokesperson for Education said: “This campaign is a great opportunity to promote healthier ways to get to and from school. It’s encouraging that all primary schools in Falkirk have signed up to promote Walk to School month which is a worthwhile initiative that can have a positive impact on education and the environment.

“Research shows pupils who walk or cycle to school arrive more alert and can reduce the number of cars on our roads which improves air quality.”

During the month of May pupils will fill out a wall chart to show how they travelled to school each day whether it be by walking, cycling or by car. Schools can also arrange activities including ‘walking buses’ or ‘daily mile’ challenges, which involves  pupils walking around the playground to achieve their mile a day walk.

The latest ‘safer route to school’ is now complete leading from Grangemouth Road to Victoria Primary school at a cost of £153k funded jointly by the Council and the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans.