Wear extra layers to beat pollution, parents told

Parents are being urged to "wear an extra layer" rather than leave their engines idling on the school run in chilly weather.

Throughout winter, pupils from Reid Street Primary School in Darlington have been handing out leaflets warning parents about the damaging effects of pollutants.

The school is backing Darlington Borough Council's campaign to reduce air pollution.

The council's environmental officer Stacey Newton thanked pupils for their efforts and told parents: "The health of your child is more important than being sat in the cold for a couple of minutes."

Studies have found children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and that breathing in toxins can be linked to lung conditions.

Speaking in the school playground with mum Sarah, pupil Maisie Watson said she "hated" smelling "smoky and strong exhaust fumes".

Another parent, Rebecca Wilkinson, said: "People need to be more aware of it, especially around schools where there are little kids.

"It's common sense."

The school has put a banner on its gates to help spread the message to switch off engines when parked outside.

The banners are part of the council's Care for Clean Air campaign, aimed at encouraging drivers not to leave their engines idling.

Other idling "hotspots" include train stations, supermarkets and car parks.

The school's principal Paula Ayto said: "In an ideal world, all our pupils would walk or cycle to school. However, we accept that this is not always possible.

"We want to protect the health of our young pupils and, by supporting this campaign, I hope that parents and carers who park outside our school will take notice of the banner and switch off their engine while waiting outside our school."

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