Schoolchildren walk ‘all the way to Athens’ (From Watford Observer)

Schoolchildren walk ‘all the way to Athens’

10:00am Monday 6th October 2008 in St Michael's

SCHOOLCHILDREN from Chipperfield have collectively clocked up enough miles walking to and from school, to get them as far as Athens.

Pupils from St Paul’s Primary School The Common, calculated the distances they accumulated as part of a national initiative encouraging parents to leave cars at home for the school run.

The scheme is urging youngsters to think of their journey in terms of globe-trotting, with competition taking place between classes on who can make their way furthest “around the world”.

The initiative is being promoted to encourage children to participate in fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly activities.

Hertfordshire County Councillor Stuart Pile said: “Walking is a great way to get fit, catch up with friends and family, help the environment, as well as easing the congestion on our busy roads.”

Pupils from Parkgate Junior School, in Southwold Road, Watford, will also be walking to classes by participating in National Walk to School week from October 6-10.

The theme of the week will be Power Up, using exercise as a means of raising performance and alertness inside and outside the classroom.