From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 11, 2008

PUPILS at Willand Primary School will take a big step towards making Devon even greener on Wednesday (16 January).

The children and volunteer parents will be launching a walking bus, starting near the Foxglove Estate at 8:15am. It will make its way along the Jaycroft cycle/pedestrian path, Orchard Way into Plum Way, emerging into Silver Street at the Pelican Crossing before entering the grounds of the Primary School nearby.

As part of their School Travel Plan work, children at Willand Primary School have decided that they could walk instead of travelling in cars. They have been studying how regular exercise helps to improve health and fewer cars near the school will make the area safer.

Initially, the walking bus will run each Wednesday morning.

Marcus Lang, Personal Health and Social Education Teacher at Willand Primary School, said: "I would like to thank all the parent volunteers who have made this initiative possible. We have been successful in many areas of our travel plan by encouraging more walking and providing cycle training for the older children. We have also asked for an upgrade of the Pelican Crossing to a Puffin Crossing in Silver Street and Devon County Council will take this forward when funds allow. It will be exciting to see the walking bus complete its journey into the playground."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is an important step for the school and I'm delighted that the pupils and parents have been keen to launch their walking bus. As well as reducing congestion near the school and helping to make Devon even greener, this is a great opportunity for the children to learn valuable road safety skills as pedestrians under the tight supervision of trained adults. This knowledge will help them prepare for independent journeys when they are older. I am delighted that the children will be able to discover for themselves the many benefits that come from walking."

Councillor Ray Radford, Devon County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said: "Willand Primary School is making an excellent start in encouraging more walking to school. The Walking Bus has potential to improve children's health and will give them vital knowledge about how to use roads near their homes safely."

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to a photo opportunity at 8:50am on Wednesday 16 January to see the walking bus arrive at the school.

For more information contact:

Sue Calderbank, Headteacher or Marcus Lang, PHSE Teacher - Willand Primary School, 01884 820367.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Ray Radford, 01884 820000.

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