Herefordshire schools have received grants aimed at encouraging pupils to walk to school.

Bridstow Primary School, Ewyas Harold Primary, Kingstone and Thruxton Primary and St Paul’s Primary in Hereford have each received £1,000 to help keep their pupils fit and reduce school car journeys.

Both St Paul’s and Ewyas Harold have already set up a walking bus service, featuring a convoy of pupils following a set route to school, accompanied by staff and volunteers. The other two schools are looking at suitable routes.

Seven other schools, meanwhile, have received £500.

They are Bredenbury Primary, Leominster Infant, Lord Scudamore Primary, Luston Primary, Orleton Primary, Pembridge Primary and Weobley Primary.

These have set up a variety of schemes such as ‘walk on Wednesday’, ‘Fitness friday’ and park and walk’.

Linda Sinker, Herefordshire Council’s school travel advisor, said: “These grants will not only ensure our youngsters are healthier by walking or cycling to school but will also reduce carbon emissions from the school run, reduce congestion around the school gates and teach pupils about the importance of road safety.”