Around two million primary school children are taking part in this week’s Walk to School week.

At the national launch in Kensington, London, pupils from local schools paraded down the street playing instruments manufactured from car parts.

Hundreds of similar events were held throughout the country.

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, said: ‘By leaving the car at home, you save money on petrol, avoid parking hassles at the school gate, teach your children valuable road-safety skills and do your bit for the environment.’

A new Living Streets report highlights that children who have not practiced walking to primary school fail to learn traffic awareness and are, therefore, more vulnerable on roads. The report also shows that driving the school run denies children the chance to interact with their local community, become streetwise and develop independence.