CHILDREN in Thetford have been enjoying summer walks thanks to a new initiative which has seen adult 'bus conductors' joining the youngsters to escort them safely to Playdays Nursery on Whitehart Street.

CHILDREN in Thetford have been enjoying summer walks thanks to a new initiative which has seen adult 'bus conductors' joining the youngsters to escort them safely to Playdays Nursery on Whitehart Street.

The children wear the high visibility vests when staff take them on their daily outings.

The walking buses are part of a �100,000 project launched by The Co-operative Group to help bring home the message of healthy living to youngsters as well as tackle climate change by reducing CO2 emissions and local road congestion.

Nationally, the project will enable 100 schools from across the country to set up their own Walking Bus scheme - a safe, fun and healthy way for pupils to walk to school with adult volunteers, picking up children at specific stops along the way.

Angela Mccall, branch manager of The Co-operative Travel in Thetford, said: “Walking to school is a really healthy way for children to start their day. It also cuts down on car journeys so is a great way for families to reduce their own carbon emissions and have a positive impact on local road congestion.

“The great thing with Walking Buses is that they not only help tackle the greatest environmental challenge we face, climate change, but also one of the great public health crises of our time, obesity.”

Playdays Nursery manager Kerry Sheppherd said: “We are very excited to have a walking bus as it fits in perfectly with our objectives to help our children lead a healthy life as well as teach them about being environmentally aware and responsible. This scheme is perfect for teaching them in a practical way and we would like to thank The Co-operative Travel for supporting us.”