From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 08, 2008

PUPILS at Ottery St Mary Primary School will launch their second walking bus at 8:30am on Monday 14 January.

The school's first walking bus only got underway in January last year but a second route will be added next week thanks to parents generously volunteering their time.

The primary is making good progress towards its travel plan goals and has already achieved success in encouraging more pupils to walk to school and providing cycle training with the help of local Police Community Support Officer Maria Clapp. In addition, the school highlighted the need for a 20mph speed limit in Longdogs Lane and a school crossing patrol at Tip Hill, both of which have been implemented effectively at school times.

The new walking bus will run on Monday and Tuesday mornings and afternoons. In the mornings, pupils and parents will meet in New Street and make their way through Furzebrook, across Yonder Street and into Spring Gardens, finally entering the school from the side entrance adjacent to the car park. The journey will be reversed in the afternoons.

Headteacher Doug Rylance said: "I am delighted that a second walking bus has been made possible as a result of more parents volunteering to help with this initiative. Regular walking aids the fitness and health of pupils and helps to ease congestion on routes to school."

PCSO Maria Clapp said: "I plan to work with parents to develop further walking buses in the Spring. Children enjoy walking and gain educational benefits by travelling in groups under supervision. This will help to prepare them for safe, independent travel on foot when they are older."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "There has been such a positive response to the school's travel plan, it's wonderful that more parent volunteers have come forward to help launch this second walking bus. The school and parents are determined to improve the health and safety of the children and a walking bus is an excellent way to learn about road safety, to get fit and to do their bit for the environment. It's a great way to keep Devon green and I congratulate the school and wish it well with its continuing efforts to reduce car journeys to school."

Councillor Roger Giles, Devon County Councillor for Ottery St Mary Rural, said: "I understand that a speed visor will be provided in Sidmouth Road, just south of Claremont Field junction in due course. This will be funded by my locality budget and will help to support all pedestrians crossing at Tip Hill including those on school journeys."

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to a photo opportunity, which is available at the school on arrival at about 8.50 am on Monday 14 January.

For further information contact:

Doug Rylance, Ottery St Mary Primary School Headteacher, 01404 812977.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Rogers Giles, 01404 813387.

Marion Deacock, Devon County Council, Area East Road Safety Officer, 01392 385275.