The event was kicked off on Monday by Peterborough City Council's Travelchoice team, in a bid to raise awareness of the benefits of walking to school.

Gunthorpe Primary School was just one of 31 primary schools taking part.

School secretary Donna White said: "We sent a letter out last week asking parents and children to set aside time in the morning to ditch the family car and try walking to school, in what is a really healthy, fun way to start the day

"Each class has been given a chart, and every morning the pupils are asked how they got to school that day. The class with the most children walking to school will be given a prize."

Gunthorpe primary recently benefited from funding as part of the Safer Journeys to School project. The cash was used to improve various walkways in an attempt to make the vicinity safer and more appealing to walkers or cyclists.

The school also received a new cycle shed.

The council's school travel plan coordinator for Travelchoice Donna Turner said: "This year's theme is child health and raising awareness of the importance of daily exercise for our growing generation of children.

"Walking to school is a fun way to take part in daily exercise and is cheaper than using the car."