23/1/2012 - Boots are made for walking in Eden

School pupils in Eden have pledged to walk to school this week come rain or shine with Active Travel’s Welly Walking Wednesday.

Four schools in the district are taking part in the initiative which aims to encourage children to do their bit for the environment by walking to school, whatever the weather.

The following schools are taking part in the initiative and media opportunities will be available at all schools from 8.45am (all press invited):

Penruddock Primary School, Penrith
High Hesket School
Morland Area School
Stainton Primary School

As well as the welly walk, pupils will also be holding various competitions, such as a welly Olympics and a three legged welly race. Many pupils will also be customising their own wellies prior to Wednesday as part of the event. Welly Walking Wednesday will also include children who use the school bus as they will have a chance to walk around a course in the school.

The event is being run as part of the Active Travel, an initiative run by Cumbria County Council aimed at reducing unnecessary car journeys to bring about a significant increase in sustainable travel to and from school. Around 16 schools across Cumbria are taking part and will be provided with a pot welly planter for their school garden and small prizes to award on the day.

Councillor Tim Knowles, Cabinet member for transport, said: “In our climate if we relied on good weather to walk to school then the number of days we would be able to walk would be greatly reduced. This event will be fun for the children whilst reminding them that if you are equipped for bad weather the walking journey to school is a lot more comfortable.”

Media enquiries to communications adviser Charlotte Thompson on 01228 226325