Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and Eastwood, has urged schools  in the constituency to celebrate the strides they’ve made to improve air quality and get active by walking to school, as part of Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (17-21 May 2021).

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. It encourages families to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school and see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.

A generation ago, 70 per cent of children walked to school, now it’s less than half. The Government has recognised the importance of walking to school and has set a target to get 55 per cent of primary school pupils walking to school by 2025.

Lee is an avid walker and has lost more than two stones since January due to his daily walks. The MP is part of a Westminster Weight Watchers group made up of 35 MPs. The MPs have joined Guy Opperman, Pensions Minister, in his 10 for 10 challenge.

Guy set pals the challenge to mark 10 years since his emergency surgery for a brain tumour. It involves completing 10 physical challenges for 10 days to raise money for the charity and Lee chose to walk 10 miles a day for 10 days.

Lee said:  “Since walking, I have lost weight and have so much more energy. I get to clear my head, get fresh air and get fit all at the same time.

When I heard about the Walk to School Week, I knew I wanted to get involved. Walking gives children the chance to enjoy fresh air and exercise. It reduces congestion, improves road safety and means we have cleaner air and less problem parking around schools.”

Walk to School Week provides a fantastic opportunity for families to give walking to school a go and see how they could make a more permanent change to their travel plans.

Mary Creagh, chief executive, Living Streets added: “Walk to School Week is a fun, inclusive, free and simple activity, which improves the physical and mental wellbeing of children and celebrates walking for all.

“Pupils enjoy the health and happiness that comes from walking, while schools and local communities enjoy reduced congestion and pollution.

“We’re thrilled that families nationwide are joining us this week and enjoying the fresh air, fun, freedom, and friendship that walking to school brings.”