FREE breakfasts and new bike racks are among the incentives on offer to cut down on the school run.

During the last year, Worcestershire County Council has been working with 41 schools to develop school travel plans designed to promote walking and cycling.

In July, the schools with approved travel plans will be awarded one-off grants to help them realise their aims. Thirty-three primary schools will each be given £3,750 plus an extra £5 per pupil, while eight high and special schools will receive £5,000 as well as the extra £5 per pupil.

The grants can be used to buy items to enable healthier, more sustainable journeys, such as bicycle racks, sheltered waiting areas and lockers.

St George's Catholic Primary School, Thorneloe Walk, Barbourne, is one of the schools involved in the project.

Deputy headteacher Mike Painter said: "We have noticeboards with possible bus routes and starting tomorrow we have a bike and breakfast day which invites children to come to school on their bikes and we give them breakfast.

"We are also looking at improving the bike shed and the number of bike stands, and looking at getting some kind of covered area so parents can wait out of the cold."

Nicky Luff , the county council's Travelwise officer, said: "School travel plans are a great way to bring about actions to tackle congestion at the school gate, help improve children's safety and fitness and reduce our impact on climate change."

Meanwhile, Mr Painter said the school recently became one of 36 schools in the county awarded a grant of either £1,000 or £500 as a part of the Government's Travelling To School project.

The grant would be spent on a walking bus, whereby children walk in convey with qualified volunteers in hi-visibility jackets.

He said both sets of grants would help cut congestion, improve the environment and promote healthy living.