PRIMARY school pupils at City of York Council schools can earn stickers and certificates by participating in International Walk To School Week.

The campaign, which runs until Friday, aims to encourage young people and their parents to appreciate the advantages of leaving the car at home for school journeys.

All primary schools in York have been sent resource packs to help head teachers persuade pupils to be among the expected two million children in the United Kingdom to participate in the initiative.

The packs include posters, stickers, competitions, certificates, work sheets and ideas for lessons, competitions and assemblies.

Ann Sunderland, City of York Council's travel plan co-ordinator, said the benefits went far beyond the obvious ones of increased exercise and a reduction of the number of vehicles on local roads.

She said: "Walking with a young child regularly helps prepare them for the time when they will make their own independent journeys.

"It is a good way for them to learn road safety and general safety awareness.

"For older children, going to school is often the first journey they will make without adult supervision.

"Therefore, whatever their age, the walk to school can increase a child's individual status and confidence."

Encouraging children to walk to school and be physically active can also help a school achieve or maintain its LEA-awarded City of York Healthy School Logo.

Updated: 11:09 Wednesday, October 06, 2004