Not one but thousands of steps forward are being taken by children in Norfolk as the County Council and schools encourage even more pupils and their parents to abandon the car for the journey to and from school.

A survey in January found that car use on the school run in Norfolk had dropped by 4.7% in a year - on top of a 10.7% reduction achieved since 2004. Now around 100 primary schools and 15,000 pupils have signed up for the new Steppers Safari scheme as the county builds on this success.

Under the Steppers Safari, pupils collect stamps in their Safari booklets every time they walk to school. They are rewarded with stickers every half term for their efforts. The scheme lasts for a whole academic year with the aim of establishing a walk to school habit among young people. Schools take part in promotions such as Steppers Safari as part of their School Travel Plan, which sets out to encourage walking and cycling to school.

Adrian Gunson, Cabinet Member for Planning & Transportation, said: "Norfolk was the first county in the country to have a travel plan for every school, and this has paid off with significant reductions in car use. Many primary school children live quite close to school and if they walk or cycle it eases congestion around schools, as well as contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

"Our Travel Plan team works hard with schools - as well as a growing number of businesses - to support more sustainable travel. Alongside school initiatives such as the Steppers Safari, the County Council will be investing a further £825,000 this year (2009-10) through the Safer and Healthier Journeys to School initiatives, which improves routes to school for pedestrians and cyclists. Wherever feasible, walking and cycling should be the first choice, rather than the last choice, for the journey to school."

The Steppers Safari scheme was officially launched at Cromer Junior School for the start of term, and head teacher Steve Godson said the pupils were enthusiastic. “We are keen that pupils lead active lifestyles as this has great benefits not only to their health but also to their concentration in school," he said.

“In addition to encouraging the pupils to be more active we also hope to reduce the number of pupils travelling to school by car,” said Stevie Spencer, Smarter Travel Choices Officer for Norfolk County Council. “The activity links into the wider environmental agenda and encourages pupils to do their bit to enhance their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the planet.”