Walk to School Week, held in Sutton in May, has been branded a ‘huge success’ after a 22 per cent rise in the number of children walking to school.

The week long initiative saw 3,500 primary school children ditching car journeys to walk, cycle or scoot into school.

Cheam Common Infants School achieved the highest levels of walking during the week with 88 per cent of children walking to school, an increase of over a third.

The school has been awarded the prize of £100 in Waterstone’s vouchers and a day of workshops run by a performance poet from performing arts company Apples and Snakes.

Councillor Simon Wales, executive member for communities, transport and voluntary sector on Sutton Council, said: “Walking to school is a really positive thing for children to do.

“As well as boosting health and fitness levels, it can help children to develop valuable road safety skills and knowledge of their local area.

“It’s also good for the planet, as it reduces carbon emissions from car journeys and helps children to get into the habit of using their own two feet for shorter journeys.”

Children who live further away from school could also take part with parents encouraged to park away from the school entrance and walk the distance.

As well as boosting fitness the scheme reduced congestion around the school gates and helped children to stay safe.

Walk to School Week was run in partnership with the charity Living Streets who hosted events across the country with the aim of getting two million more children to walk to school.

Secondary schools took part in a similar initiative called Free Your Feet.

For more information visit walktoschool.org.uk