YOUNGSTERS at one Ipswich school are getting a healthy start to their day thanks to a new travel initiative launched this term.A number of pupils from Rose Hill Primary School now enjoy the benefits of a stroll to school thanks to the launch of a walking bus which is run by a group of parents who volunteer their time each morning.

YOUNGSTERS at one Ipswich school are getting a healthy start to their day thanks to a new travel initiative launched this term.

A number of pupils from Rose Hill Primary School now enjoy the benefits of a stroll to school thanks to the launch of a walking bus which is run by a group of parents who volunteer their time each morning.

Up to 20 children have taken advantage of the scheme, which operates between the Co-op car park in Felixstowe Road and the school in Derby Road.

Headteacher Simon Phillips said: “The idea came from the school travel plan which was aimed at increasing the numbers of children walking to school and reducing the congestion outside the school.

“It started two weeks ago and is completely run by parent volunteers. The children are met by the volunteers, who count them and walk them straight in to the school.”

Parent Melanie Rose is part of the travel plan committee and oversees the whole operation.

She said: “We gave a questionnaire to parents and walking to school was something which was mentioned.

“Rose Hill Road and York Road get very busy in the morning with parents dropping their children off at school.

“We have been getting 17, 18 and 19 children every morning and I think the parents really appreciate it. I have already noticed a reduction in the numbers of cars.”