PUPILS across North Ayrshire are taking part in an initiative to promote healthier and more sustainable ways of getting to and from school.

Travel Smart Week is taking place across May and encourages pupils, their families and staff to choose alternative modes of transport.

That can mean walking, cycling, scooting, using the bus or train and car sharing. You could also leave the car further from school and walk the rest of the way.

These different approaches are healthier, better for the environment and safer as they reduce traffic around schools.

The month-long initiative – where schools will be taking part in any week during May – was promoted with a walk at St Anthony’s Primary, Saltcoats last Wednesday.

And joining staff and pupils were Rav, Mel and Start – the Council’s Travel Smart Characters.

The project supports ‘Walk to School Week’ which is a nationwide initiative that runs from 15-19 May.

Caitriona McAuley, Head of Service (Economic Growth) at North Ayrshire Council, said: “As a Council we are always looking at healthier and more sustainable ways to do things.

“Families and children travel to and from school five days a week so this is an area where we can make a real difference.

“Obviously people have busy lives and it can sometimes feel that driving children to school is the only option. But there are other ways too which are cheaper, healthier and better for the environment. They might not be something people can do every day but hopefully something they can consider now and in the future.

“The Travel Week helps us promote the various options and give parents and carers a taste of how easy and fun some of these are.”