SCHOOLCHILDREN channelled their inner explorers during their walk to school as part of a scheme to encourage youngsters to be more active.

Pupils from West Park Academy, in Darlington, dressed up as their favourite explorers for the adventurer-themed walk, which was led by a Hobbit.

The walk was part of the Mega Motion campaign, encouraging parents and pupils to leave their cars behind and walk, cycle or scoot to school every Friday to help children achieve their suggested hour of exercise each day.

The school won a themed walk after an eight-year-old pupil penned a story about her walk to school, which featured a bike ride through the jungle and sliding down waterfalls and icebergs.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The new year is the perfect time for families to rethink the way they travel to school and choose a more healthy and sustainable mode.

“By encouraging children to walk to school from an early age, they develop key life skills such as navigation and road safety as well as increased independence and confidence.

“Walking the school run with your child is also a great opportunity to enjoy the open air and explore your neighbourhood together.”