FAMILIES are being encouraged to opt for a more environmentally friendly way to travel to school.

Hale Primary School launched its Park and Stride initiative on Tuesday as part of its ‘Walktober’ activities. After the launch the children met MyJourney Hampshire Basil Bird.

The school is working with Hampshire County Council towards its silver Modeshift STARS travel award and says it is keen to encourage families to park away from the school gates — making the short walk, scoot or cycle to school in an effort to ease congestion and reduce pollution.