Families are being encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school in a new campaign to help improve people's health and wellbeing and reduce air pollution.

The new #INTOschooltravel social media campaign is being delivered by Staffordshire County Council and is calling on parents and pupils to use more active travel to get to school.

A brand new Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter accounts have tips and hints on how active travel can help improve people's health as well as the environment.

Alongside the advice, a series of competitions with prizes including vouchers and tickets to local attractions are available.

The latest push by the authority's School Travel team coincided with Walk to School Week from 17 to 21 May.

This year's national festival of walking is encouraging all children that can walk to join in.

David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said: "Walking, scootering or cycling to school has so many benefits for the community and it's something we are keen to see more of.

"Not only does it help to keep parents and children fit and healthy but it helps to ease congestion and reduce air pollution.

"Over the last few years our School Travel Advisors have been working closely with schools to encourage more parents and their children to use active travel.

"And, throughout the pandemic, we have seen many more people walking and cycling and we are keen to see this continue.

"We're excited about Walk to School Week and our new social media channels and hope to be able to reach out to families and show them how easy active travel can be built into their everyday activity.

"With some great competitions with prizes on offer too, it's a great time to get involved."

Staffordshire continues to lead the way when it comes to encouraging more parents and children to actively travel to school.

Walking buses, scooter and cycle training, 'Park and Stride' schemes are all helping to improve physical health and air quality, whilst reducing congestion outside school gates.

Research shows that a 15-minute walk, scoot or cycle to and from school gives children half of their recommended daily exercise.

Furthermore, children that actively travel to school arrive refreshed and ready for the school day, are healthier and happier.

For tips and hints on active travel and details of the competitions, follow the team on their social media channels found above.

People can also find out more on the Staffordshire County Council website.

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