Submitted by Karen Cannard, 12th May 2008

Today marks the start of Walk to School Week in Scotland, encouraging families to ditch the car and walk.

Next week, starting on 19th May, children throughout the rest of the UK will be invited to join in too.

Linked to Noise Awareness Week, pupils are being encouraged to become 'Sound Detectives' and explore their route to school through sound and noise.

Activities will include keeping sound diaries, identifying birdsong as well as thinking about past, present and future sounds, to help them become more familiar with the local environment during their journey on foot.

To aid awareness of the benefits of walking to school, the campaign organisation also promotes Walk Once a Week activities, encouraging schools and local authorities to engage parents and children to put in some extra legwork on a weekly basis.

The Walk to School campaign, now in its 13th year, is jointly promoted by Living Streets and ACT Travelwise.