FAMILIES in the Ribble Valley have been encouraged to leave their car keys at home and journey to school on foot this autumn.

Taylor Wimpey Manchester has donated 50 high-visibility snap wristbands to pupils at Longridge Church of England Primary School, on Berry Lane, to keep youngsters safe on their way to and from school as the evenings get darker.

The annual initiative, Walk to School Month, promotes healthy living and aims to reduce the number of cars on the road.

This year the campaign will see more than 14,900 wristbands provided to children across the country.

A decade ago 70 per cent of children walked to and from school. This figure has now more than halved according to Living Streets, the charity that organises the campaign.

Chloe Dunn, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Manchester said: “Walking is a great way to keep children active.

"We hope our wristbands will add some fun to the journey while keeping them safe on the way.”

Janet Cooper, head teacher at Longridge Church of England Primary School said: “We are very grateful to Taylor Wimpey for thinking of us and supporting child road safety.

"This campaign will help raise the profile of the initiative among pupils and parents alike."