SCHOOLS in West Devon are being encouraged to find creative ways of supporting Devon Car Free Day next Wednesday, September 22.

As part of a county-wide competition, teachers and pupils are being invited by Devon County Council to leave their car at home on the day and take photographs of their journey to school. The winning entry will receive £100 worth of book vouchers for the school.

Devon Car Free Day is organised as part of Devon County Council's TravelWise campaign and supports International In Town Without My Car Day.

Feniton Primary School took the prize for the school photography competition last year, with one mum pushing her daughter to school in a wheel-barrow.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'We had a great response from schools on Devon Car Free Day last year, and we hope that staff, pupils and parents can offer even more support this time round.

'The day is an opportunity for people to try walking, cycling or using public transport on their usual route, and the aim is that people will notice a reduction in traffic congestion outside of their school.'

Ideas on how to support the day are being sent to schools across the county. Suggestions include offering breakfast to cyclists and walkers, walking to school in fancy dress or opting for an unusual form of transport or launching a walking bus or cycle train.

For further information or if you intend to support the day contact Lesley Smith, Devon County Council TravelWise officer at [email protected]">[email protected]