EAST Cambridgeshire youngsters are being urged to take steps to save the planet next week. Pupils are being encouraged to get out of their cars and walk to school to mark National Walk to School Week which starts on Monday. Youngsters from across the coun

EAST Cambridgeshire youngsters are being urged to take steps to save the planet next week.

Pupils are being encouraged to get out of their cars and walk to school to mark National Walk to School Week which starts on Monday.

Youngsters from across the country will be supporting the annual scheme which this year aims to show how walking rather than driving to school makes a big contribution towards cutting pollution.

Jo Kasey, Cambridgeshire County Council's school travel adviser said: "In terms of local air pollution, the school run is one of the worst offenders. It's those short, stop-start journeys with cold engines which are the most polluting.

"Contrary to what some might believe, being cocooned in a car offers no protection from local pollution - in fact pollutants found inside the car are around three times higher than those experienced by pedestrians."

Andrew Fielding, National Walk to School campaign co-ordinator, urged parents to walk with their children to school.

"It isn't just good for the environment, it's great for you too - walking for those 30 minutes a day means real quality time together, and the average walk there and back will burn more calories than the school's PE quota," he said.