Nick Raynsford, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, last Friday presented awards to Holy Family Primary School pupils who had participated in International Walk to School month. The children had joined thousands of pupils from across the UK and over 40 countries worldwide this October to celebrate the benefits of walking to school.

The theme this year was ‘Count me in’, and the campaign aimed to encourage children to measure how much physical activity they do during the day. Holy Family Primary School has been encouraging pupils to walk to school at least once a week and record their experience, either in a painting or in a story.

Nick visited a class from each year group to take questions from children and to talk about why walking to school regularly is a fantastic way to reach the recommended daily 60 minutes of activity to benefit health. He then presented awards to pupils who had been the most enthusiastic about taking part in the scheme.

Nick says: ‘Walking to school is a fantastic way to get some physical activity and fresh air into your day. When children are bundled from front door to car door, they miss out on the opportunity to socialise with friends, get to know their community, and burn off some energy before getting their heads down in the books. Teachers often report that pupils who walk to school are more attentive in class. If we are to avoid predictions of a quarter of our children being obese by 2050, we need to start making changes to our lifestyle now. Leaving you car at home more is also a great way for us all to do our bit in saving the planet and keeping CO2 emissions down. I encourage everyone in my constituency to join in and fit in a bit more walking!’