IN recognition of Mid Devon District Council’s stated aim to become a Net Zero contributor of carbon emissions by 2030, Cheriton Bishop Parish Council has teamed up with the "Eco Council" of Cheriton Bishop Primary School and its co-ordinator, Mr Jan Bosence, to reduce carbon emissions within the parish.

Transport is recognised as one of the major contributors to carbon emissions and low mileage journeys (journeys of three miles or less) account for one half of all journeys.

To help reduce the number of low mileage journeys within the community, the Parish Council has challenged its school children to walk or cycle to school 15 times or more during the coming months. Children who live outside the settlement can also take part by walking to and from the bus stop.

The Eco Council, which comprises a representative from each year group, has been instrumental in setting up the challenge and motivating its peers to take part.

Journeys will be recorded in a daily diary and when the target is reached, they will be awarded a reflective key ring for their school bag. The key ring is both useful and practical. It is illuminated by headlights exactly like a bicycle reflector.

As the nights draw in, the key rings will hopefully provide some additional safety for the children as they travel about on foot.

It is hoped that the children get a taste for the benefits of walking to school and continue on even after they have reached their goal.

The council hopes that everyone will join in commending the children’s commitment to help with the mission to reduce carbon emissions and look after the environment.