Pupils at a Lichfield school are joining a campaign to tackle air pollution.
The youngsters from The Willows will join others across Staffordshire to encourage families to opt for more sustainable forms of travel.
The scheme is part of the Air Aware campaign.
Cllr Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “We know that air pollution, especially from vehicles on some of our most congested main roads can cause many health issues and it’s important we do everything we can to tackle it.
“Improving air quality, particularly near schools is one of our priorities and by working with pupils and parents we hope to help to raise everyone’s awareness of the small, easy things we can all do to reduce air pollution and help us all breathe easier.
“For example by walking, scootering or cycling to school or using a ‘park and stride’ we can improve our health through exercise, and limit air pollution all at the same time.
“And by asking drivers to switch off their engines when parked up, we hope to make an even bigger difference. Idling is often the biggest contributor to air pollution outside schools – just a minute of idling can fill 150 balloons with exhaust fumes containing harmful chemicals.
“So if you have to drive on the school run, switch off when you drop off.
“This small change will make a big difference.”
Staffordshire County Council is one of 16 local authorities nationally to receive funding from the Government for air pollution improvement work.
It is estimated that around 400 deaths per year are attributable to poor air quality across the county.
