MORE THAN 100 Darlington families participated in a Walk to School event last month to launch a new Local Motion storybook as part of International Walk to School Month.

Abbey Federation pupils and families joined the thousands of primary schoolchildren from across the UK, and more than 40 countries worldwide, to celebrate the benefits of walking to school during International Walk to School Month.

The walk welcomed Team Local Motion’s new children’s character – Super fit, MEGA hero SAM.

The new super fit, MEGA hero SAM character represents 60 Active Minutes – the amount of daily activity children should be taking as recommended within the NHS Change for Life campaign.

Abbey Federation pupils and families were accompanied by SAM, Max and a real live knight in shining armour who explained how ensuring he has 60 Active Minutes a day helps to keep him fit and strong for battling dragons.

Walking, cycling or scooting to and from school is the perfect way to start getting active.

SAM features in Local Motion’s new schools’ storybook: Sixty Active Minutes with SAM, which was devised by Darlington Council’s Team Local Motion and written by Darlington schoolchildren.

The book promises to become a companion to the familiar Max Motion medal character who promotes active travel in Darlington.

The book is funded by the Department for Transport, has been illustrated by local author and illustrator Liz Million, and is supported by Darlington Borough Council.

As well as the Crown Street Library, every primary school in the borough will receive copies of the book to help to teach pupils the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and achieving 60 Active Minutes.

Councillor David Lyonette, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “As well as contributing towards the recommended 60 Active Minutes children need each day, the school journey is a perfect opportunity for children to learn about their local area, develop wider social networks and gain independence.

“Teachers also find that pupils who walk or are active on the journey to school are more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day than those who travel by car.”

Councillor Andy Scott, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Partnerships, said: “The Walk to School event offers a fantastic opportunity to get out into the fresh air, take in some lovely scenery and feel better about ourselves on the way to school.

“We all need to find some form of exercise that fits into our lifestyles and walking, cycling or scooting to and from schools offers an ideal opportunity to get some of your daily 60 Active minutes in.

“By ensuring we get plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy diet we can help to prevent illness. We all must take responsibility for our own health and teach our children the importance of keeping active to help them get – and stay – fit and healthy.”