FAMILIES in Winterbourne left their cars at home to take part in Walk to School Week.

Pupils from Watermore Primary School joined chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Rachael Hunt and road safety officers yesterday to celebrate the start of the UK-wide event, which runs from May 21 to 25.

Forty two schools in South Gloucestershire are taking part in the campaign, which encourages children to swap four wheels for two feet and walk to school with their parents or carers.

Cllr Hunt said: “Walking to school is a great way for pupils to meet up with friends before arriving at school and to keep active and healthy.

"Walk to School Week offers a fantastic opportunity to learn and use road safety skills on our shared paths, footpaths and the many different types of crossings available on route, to help keep children safe on their journey to and from school.”

SGC's road safety team have funded packs for schools, produced by walking charity Living Streets, which contain everything a class needs to help all children stay engaged with the weeklong challenge.

The packs include: an activity-tree, stickers, walking diaries, sunflower seeds and helpful information.

Pupils who walk to school each day add a sticker to the classroom activity-tree, each sticker brings the tree to life across the week, from the roots and trunk to colourful leaves and blossoming flowers.