Staff and pupils at St. Patrick's Primary School, Derrygonnelly, joined forces with 25,000 school children across 105 schools in Northern Ireland this week in a bid to experience the benefits of walking, by taking part in a variety of Walk to School activities before, during and after class time.

Meanwhile, Conor Murphy, the new Regional Development Minister, has urged parents in Fermanagh to put their best foot forward and leave their cars at home during this week.

His message came on Monday, at the start of Walk to School Week, whose theme this year is 'Save the Planet – One Step at a Time'.

"Every morning", he stated, "many schools across the North, face congestion problems at the school gates.

"It's alarming that many of those drivers live less than 10 minutes' walking distance away from the school.

"With a little extra effort, we can start to reverse this trend. As fuel prices continue to rise and levels of traffic congestion and childhood obesity increase, walking to school for many is becoming a more attractive option. It is free, good for the environment and good for your health,"

"As a first step", he went on, "I would encourage parents to try leaving the car at home one or two days a week, and consider walking, cycling or using public transport for the school journey. If that's not an option, then why not share the school run with other parents and car share."

Meanwhile, Stephen Hewitt, Travelwise NI Schools Co-ordinator from Roads Service, reported: "Since 1999, the number of pupils walking to school has decreased by 6% to 20%. During term time, according to Roads Service statistics, approximately 20% of the cars on roads at 8.50am are taking children to school. Many of these are short and unnecessary journeys."

Dr Brian Gaffney, the Chief Executive of the Health Promotion Agency, advised children to exercise for an hour a day.

Children in Northern Ireland, he stated, are becoming more unfit. "It is really important for children to be physically active as this can help with increased academic performance, enhance their self-esteem and contribute to positive mental health. Keeping fit will help reduce childhood obesity, possible chronic disease, and, ultimately, adult mortality. Walking to school is an enjoyable and easy way of achieving a healthier lifestyle."

The Travelwise NI event is supported by the Department of Education, the Department of the Environment Road Safety and the Health Promotion Agency. To register your school or to find out further information about Travelwise NI's Walk to School Week can be found on the website www.travelwiseni.com or from the Travelwise NI information line 0845 387 0908