BELVEDERE pupils are joining a worldwide community of people who are celebrating International Walk to School Month.

Students in more than 40 countries will be walking to school this month, including those at Belvedere Junior School, in Mitchell Close, Bexley.

They will be geared up in 50 high-visibility vests and wristbands donated by housebuilder Ward Homes.

Despite the average distance to a pupil’s primary school being one mile, around 50 per cent of children do not walk to school regularly.

Interim head of Belvedere Junior School, Kim McClounan, said: “We believe walking to school is important and try to encourage as many of our pupils as possible to walk to school in a safe and sensible fashion.

Initiatives like this help to get the children excited about walking to school.

“By increasing physical activity every day, not only is it benefitting the pupils health, the pupils have the opportunity to burn off some energy before the school day begins and their learning starts.”

Managing director for Ward Homes, Mark Bailey, said: “By offering pupils at Belvedere Junior School a helping hand the children will be encouraged to walk to school and can stay safe as winter approaches and the dark nights draw in.”