Kettering pupils walk to school with Father Christmas

Father Christmas took time from his busy schedule to take part in a scheme to get more children walking last week.

Early morning commuters had a surprise last Wednesday (December 11) when they saw about 70 pupils and 30 parents and teachers heading towards St Andrew's Primary School in Grafton Street led by Santa. Two days later pupils at Grange Primary Academy had the same treat during a walk from a nearby Co-op to the Jean Road school.

Children taking part were rewarded with a ‘Walk with Santa’ sticker and the chance for their parents to take a photo of them meeting him.

The events have been organised by Brightkidz, a local social enterprise which helps schools promote walking, cycling, scooting and road safety through their ST:EPS programme - Safe

Travel: Enabling Pupils and Schools.

Brightkidz founder Alison Holland said: "We were impressed by the number of pupils, parents and teachers who took part.

"It was a really fun start to the day.

"We all know that walking to school is good for health, environment and for reducing congestion but it was also great to see how much everyone enjoyed it too.

"Many children at the two schools already walk regularly and we are planning lots more to help get more children walking."