FAMILIES are being urged to leave their cars at home for International Walk to School Month this October.

Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity behind the biggest walk to school campaign, is spearheading the initiative.

The campaign aims to encourage pupils worldwide to walk to school, with the hope of fostering a love for active travel year-round.

In Scotland, more than 160 primary schools are already part of the WOW initiative, a walk to school challenge by Living Streets.

Participating pupils record their mode of travel on the interactive WOW Travel Tracker and are awarded monthly badges for walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting to school.

The latest national data shows that only 41 per cent of primary school children in Scotland walk to school, but this figure is higher in schools participating in the WOW initiative.

Lee Craigie, adventure cyclist and former Active Nation Commissioner for Scotland, said: "Walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting to school is good for children’s physical and mental health, prepares children for a day of learning and lets them enjoy quality time with friends or family.

"The school run alone is responsible for generating half a million tonnes of CO2 per year, so getting more pupils walking to school also helps reduce air pollution and protect our environment."

Catherine Woodhead, chief executive at Living Streets, said: "International Walk to School Month is a great opportunity for families to give walking to school a go.

"We hope that the benefits they experience will see them choosing to walk or wheel more all year-round.

“We’re campaigning to make Scotland’s streets child friendly by tackling deterrents like pavement parking and dangerous crossings.

"But we need support to be able to continue this work.

"Visit our website to donate to our urgent appeal and help secure a future where streets work for everyone."