Welland Primary School will be the first school in the Malvern area to test a new initiative to cut down on traffic congestion at its gates.

The school will introduce a 'walking bus' system on Tuesday morning as a trial measure, which it hopes will reduce the number of parents dropping children off at the school gate.

Headteacher Gill Callaghan said: "Congestion is becoming an increasingly large problem at dropping-off and picking-up times at the school and is something we are keen to reduce.

"We are part of the Safer Routes to School initiative and are trying to encourage children to walk or cycle to school instead of being ferried around by car."

Tuesday morning's trial is a one-off, when parents will be able to drop their children off at three designated 'bus stops' on route. Two will be on the Bovis estate and one on Marlbank Road, and the children will be met by volunteer parents who will walk them to school.

School road safety officers from Worcestershire County Council, who have already approved the route, will provide training for the parents beforehand and will be accompanying them on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Parish councillor Lindsey Newell, who has a child at the school, said: "I think the walking bus is a wonderful idea. It means that someone responsible is there to help the children walk safely to school. It should encourage parents who drive in short distances to leave the car at home."