SCHOOL superheroes battled monstrous visitors in an initiative designed to promote health and the environment.

Pupils at St Augustine’s Primary School, Darlington, won the opportunity to walk to school in fancy dress led by Frankenstein’s monster.

Parents were encouraged to leave the car at home and join one of two pavement cavalcades to school before children enjoyed a special assembly promoting the virtues of being on foot.

Six-year-old Joseph Ryan was the first to win the event with his drawing of monsters walking to school in an initiative run by Darlington Borough Council.

The Mega Motion walk was led by Histrionics Theatre Company actor David Cooper who dressed as Frankenstein’s monster.

He said: “This aims to make walking to school more interesting, more fun and the children have a great time as heroes and villains.”

Travel to school officer Sally Hunter added: “This was the first one of the year and went down really well with children and parents. Joseph’s drawing was wonderful and a worthy winner.”

Headteacher Martina McCollom said: “I think children and parents will remember this for a long time to come and it can’t fail to encourage them to walk to school, which is better for health and the environment.”