BOYHOOD heroes including Robin Hood and Harry Potter could soon be joining youngsters heading to school as part of a scheme to improve fitness.

The Durham County Council Mega Motion project was set up to encourage children to walk, scoot or bike to school.

It has proven to be so successful that the county council has secured funding to enlarge the scheme from the new school term in September.

It will see Mega Motion take in schools in the Spennymoor, Crook and Willington areas.

The Mega Motion project works by children gaining points if they use a sustainable means of getting to school.

These points can then be cashed in for prizes such as a themed walk to school where youngsters can be joined by characters in costume.

Councillor Neil Foster, the council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Mega Motion is a brilliant scheme.

“It helps our children to stay healthy and it teaches them all about environmentally friendly ways of travel from a young age.

“It’s great to see the kids enjoy such a memorable day and we can’t wait to see even more of our youngsters taking part in these great events.”