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It's a stroll for Life
IT was certainly a spectacle – Blackpool FC's multi-millionaire chairman Karl Oyston joined by a huge bear and a horde of schoolchildren.
But this brisk walk was one for the record books as it kicked off a summer road safety initiative designed to save lives and boost the health of youngsters.
The Walk To and From School scheme was launched by council chiefs this week with the help of children from Stanley Infants and Junior School in Marton.
The two summer months up to the end of term will be packed full of walking activities for all the children.
Mr Oyston, who was once a pupil at the school, said he wanted to lead by example and help teach youngsters the importance of staying fit and safe.
He said: "As we nudge closer to summer something like this is a brilliant way for parents across Blackpool to get healthy and enjoy the beautiful weather by walking their children to and from school, and I'm thrilled to be involved in this initiative."
The scheme helps improve the fitness of pupils and parents and comes as the resort gives itself a health kickstart through the Gazette-backed Blackpool Life: Rise to the Challenge campaign. It also encourages parents and guardians to leave the car at home, reducing the volume of traffic outside the school gates, while children learn valuable road safety skills, including the importance of crossing roads safely.
Coun Fred Jackson, portfolio holder for the urban environment, said: "The facts are clear, walking is a great way for parents and children to start their day.
"Unfortunately, too many of Blackpool's youngsters miss out on the exercise they need for their development. But the Walk to and From School campaign provides the perfect remedy, and helps reduce the likelihood of accidents at the same time by reducing the amount of vehicles stopping outside the school gates.
"We realise it may not be possible for parents to walk their children to school every day or the entire journey, because they live too far away or they drop their children off on the way to work. But all we ask is that they park a little distance away from the school gate and 'stride' the rest of the way to school. Even a short walk would be beneficial to children and parents alike."
frances.bickerdike@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Weather for Blackpool
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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