CHILDREN who chose not to travel by car to their village school were rewarded with a breakfast of pancakes, yoghurt, fruit and honey.

The travel breakfast scheme took place at North Waltham Primary School, which is trying to promote exercise and reduce congestion in the school car park.

Those pupils who chose not to go to school by car last Friday were rewarded with the breakfast, as well as badges and pencils.

The day was organised by the school governors and the Friends of North Waltham Primary School.

Head of governors Trish Wyatt said: “Our school travel breakfast is just one event in a whole range of measures that are being tried to alleviate the congestion in the car park at both ends of the school day, and to try to encourage our pupils to regularly walk, cycle or scoot to school.

“As a result, children will perform better academically, as they are mentally and physically healthier and more independent.

“Our village can be made safer and more pleasant because there are fewer cars.”

This term, pupils in Year 5 at the school, in Church Lane, have taken part in the Bikeability scheme, learning about road safety and cycling skills.

Two pupils will also train as junior road safety officers, teaching others about road safety in assemblies.

Parents who have to drive have been encouraged to share journeys with other families and walk the last part of the journey to school.