IT was best foot forward when youngsters took to the streets of Belbroughton in the village's first walking bus.

Pupils at Belbroughton First School now have the chance to walk to the Bradford Lane site instead of being dropped off in their parents' cars.

Headteacher Joan Holford said: "This is part of the school's travel plan. It will reduce congestion, is better for health and will give the children more exercise.

"We have twelve youngsters taking part at the moment, so we can see how popular it is and if we need to expand it."

Safety

The school has been working with Worcestershire County Council's road safety team and children and parents taking part have all been given training.

The walking bus will be travelling from the Talbot public house car park and will be in operation for two sessions a week. A risk assessment of the route has been carried out by the road safety team and signs have been put up to advise motorists.

Area road safety officer John Dakin said: "Walking buses aim to reduce the number of cars outside schools, which in turn helps reduce the risks associated with traffic.

"They also present an excellent opportunity for the children to get some exercise and socialise with their classmates."