Pupils in West Ham will join thousands of children from across the UK and over 40 countries worldwide this October to celebrate the benefits of walking to school during International Walk to School Month and Lyn Brown MP will be encouraging local pupils to take part.

 The theme this year is ‘Count me in’, and the campaign is encouraging children to measure how much physical activity they do during the day.

 Lyn said: “Walking to school is a really easy way to get some physical activity and fresh air into your day.  When children are bundled straight from front door to car door they can miss out on opportunities to socialise with friends, as well as for getting to know their community.

 “It’s healthy for children to be able to burn off some energy before getting their heads down in the books and so I’d encourage everyone in the local area to join in – we should all try to fit in a bit more walking this October!”

 By encouraging families to ditch the car keys and get to school on foot, Walk to School Month aims to show that its not just PE lessons that are needed to give children the healthiest start in life – it’s how active they are in their daily life that really matters.

 Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, has recently announced the recommendation that all children get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, yet according to the Change4Life campaign's 'How are the kids?' survey, 72% are currently not attaining this.

 Teachers often report that those pupils who walk to school are more attentive in class. By simply walking to school and back each day, the average child will already be spending more time physically active than is provided for by the national curriculum.

 The more that children walk to school, the more confident and responsible they become about road safety. They become familiar with roads and the dangers of traffic and this underpins their understanding of their own road safety and the importance of using the Green Cross Code, taught to them at school and at home.

 National charity Living Streets, who are celebrating their 80^th birthday this year, work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets around the UK.

 Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said: “If we are to avoid the Government’s prediction of a quarter of our children being obese by 2050, we need to start making changes to our lifestyle now.  We would love everyone who normally drives the school run to use this Month as an excuse to try walking.

 “We think you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable a regular walk can be; a chance to spend real quality time together, and reap health rewards for all the family.”

 Living Streets run the highly successful Walk to School campaign, encouraging children, parents and teachers up and down the country to leave their cars at home and walk to school. Visit www.walktoschool.org.uk for more information.