OKEHAMPTON Primary School is hoping to boost volunteer numbers for its 'virtual bus' during National Walk to School Week starting on Monday.
Four new routes are in the pipeline but more parents are needed to act as 'drivers' and 'conductors'.
The scheme, which involves groups of children being collected at various pick up points and walked to school, has been operating from Station Road for nearly a year and has proved very popular.
Virtual buses are popping up throughout the county following the scheme's success in Okehampton and headteacher of Okehampton Primary School Brian Cunningham is keen to expand on it.
'We have interest in four new routes covering Giblands and Fern Meadow,' he said. 'Getting volunteers to be part of the rota is more of a problem.'
As well as reducing unnecessary car journeys, the virtual bus is all about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
'A bit of exercise is good in the mornings,' said Mr Cunningham. 'Research has shown that children who take exercise do better at school.
'This in a small way has also helped to ease congestion and in general people have been very responsive to that. I think they have been doing what they can.'
The headteacher said the aim next week was to encourage more families to walk to school but he understood this was not possible for everyone.
'I know it is not an option for people living in rural locations where the children are some distance from the school but maybe in that situation it would possible to car share,' he said.
'The children could also join the bus when they get into Okehampton — parents could drop them in Waitrose Car Park.'
Passengers on the virtual bus are equipped with fluorescent bibs and umbrellas to battle the rain.
Okehampton Primary School received a gold award 18 months ago for its healthy practices in school and is hoping to build on that.
Mr Cunningham would be grateful to any parents who would be willing to give up a little of their time to join the volunteer rota for the virtual bus.