Mark Supports Walk to School Week - Local pupils engage in the community

5.38.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st Oct 2007

Mark with local school children on walk to school week: Elliot and Alice (front), Jordan and Libby (back)

Local MP Mark Hunter today met with new members of the School Council of Gatley Primary School, joining them in their support of national Walk to School Week. Many of Gatley Primary's pupils already walk to school, and more plan to do so for the rest of the week and beyond.

After a tour of the school, Mark met Elliot, Alice, Jordan and Libby, who represent Year 6 and Year 3 on the school council. Their first meeting as a council is tomorrow, and they hope to continue the success of previous years, who have lobbied the school's PTA for improved playground facilities.

After speaking with Head teacher Michelle Murray, Mark praised the students' commitment;

"It's fantastic to see young people going out of their way to make a difference to the environment. The government needs to do more to support schemes like Walk to School Week if we are to begin tackling climate change before these children leave education."

Walk to School Week begins on the 1st of October and runs until the 5th and is part of International Walk to school Month. As well as environmental concerns, the campaign hopes to help children to take an active role in their local community, as they learn to respect their neighbourhood, get to know their neighbours and practice life skills such as crossing the road safely.

For further information on Walk to School Week, see www.walktoschool.org.uk, or contact Andrew MacDonald on 0161 486 1045