WINCHESTER school children are taking part in regular mile-long walks as part of a council health initiative.

Schools around the district have signed up to the city council's Golden Mile initiative, which gives primary school students the chance to walk, jog or run around a set mile-long route within their school grounds.

More than 25 schools have registered to take part in the scheme, which in partnership with Premier Education Group.

The aim of the Golden Mile is to minimise the amount of time children spend sitting still and provide them with more opportunities to be physically active.

Once signed up, schools are able to use online resources to record pupil’s achievements and set new challenges with the aim of encouraging regular physical activity throughout the school year.

A number of primary schools have already launched this scheme.

Kings Worthy has now walked more than 2,600 miles, St Faiths Primary School is now taking regular walks and Stanmore Primary School has just announced their Golden Mile route to their pupils.

Cllr Lisa Griffiths, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing said: “Regular physical activity, such as walking or running, is so important for a child’s health. This initiative will ensure that children have more energy and will also have a positive impact in the classroom, improving concentration levels. I am sure that this initiative will change physical activity habits long term, resulting in a happier and healthier district.”

If you are a teacher in the Winchester district and would like to sign up your school to the Golden Mile, contact Lizzie Butcher, multi-sport activator at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 386 or lbutcher@winchester.gov.uk.