PARENTS in Strabane were this week urged to put their best foot forward and leave their cars at home.

The message from the Minister for Social Development, Conor Murphy, came at the start of Walk to School Week 2007 - whose theme this year is "Save the Planet – One Step at a Time".

This week, 25.000 primary and secondary school children across 105 schools in the north will experience the benefits of walking by taking part in a variety of Walk to School activities before, during and after class time.

One of those schools was St Anne's Primary School.

Principal, Maura Shannon, said, "We feel it is very important for pupils, parents and staff to recognise the importance of walking to school for its health and environmental benefits but we always highlight the importance of road safety first.

"Walking definitely helps make pupils more alert in the classroom and makes them aware that they are helping to create a greener and cleaner environment for their future."

Conor Murphy points out, "Every morning, many schools across the north, face congestion problems at the school gates. It's alarming that many of those drivers live less than ten 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,'' said Mr Murphy.

"As a first step 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."

Travelwise NI Schools Co-ordinator Stephen Hewitt from Roads Service, said, "Since 1999 the number of pupils walking to school has decreased by 6 per cent to 20 per cent (source: Travel Survey Northern Ireland 03-05).

"During term time, approximately 20% of the cars on roads at 8.50am are taking children to school according to Roads Service statistics. Many of these are short and unnecessary journeys.

n Schools can register or find out further information about Travelwise NI's Walk to School Week on the website www.travelwiseni.com or from the Travelwise NI information line Tel: 0845 387 0908.