Schools in Worcester are being urged to join a scheme encouraging pupils to walk, wheel, cycle, or scoot to school.

The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions around school buildings by asking parents and teachers to consider leaving their cars at home and using greener travel methods, including public transport.

The benefits of the scheme include improving both physical and mental health, as well as reducing air pollution and traffic congestion.

Schools can join the Modeshift STARS accreditation scheme, funded by Worcestershire County Council, and create their own School Travel Plan.

The scheme awards schools with certificates for their travel plans and for increasing the number of pupils who regularly use sustainable transport on their journey to school.

St George’s CofE Primary School is the only school in the city to be awarded a certificate for having a ‘good’ School Travel Plan.

Louise Norris, the school's headteacher, said: "We were very aware of the high level of traffic congestion around the school and wanted to encourage pupils to be more physically active.

"The school travel plan has been focused on achieving these aims.

"We are especially proud to be the first school in Worcester to have this recognition."

Worcester City Council’s Arboretum Ward Councillor, Hannah Copper, added: "I'm committed to working with all the schools in my ward on School Travel Plans.

"The travel plan has increased the number of pupils and teachers arriving at school by walking, wheeling, scooting or biking."

The scheme supports the council’s Air Quality Action Plan, which aims to reduce emissions from traffic, improve public health and wellbeing, increase uptake of sustainable travel options, and plan for future development.

Councillor Lynn Denham, the council's leader, said: "It’s brilliant to see St George’s CE Primary School taking part in this initiative and we would love to see other schools produce similar School Travel Plans.

"These measures will help to reduce traffic and emissions outside schools and across our city.

"The scheme provides a positive step towards healthier lives for our children."

Schools are encouraged to register with the Modeshift STARS scheme free of charge.