TRANSPORT Minister Danny Kennedy has launched the Travelwise NI ‘Walk to School Week’ photography competition and is inviting all primary school in Northern Ireland to take part.

The competition is free to enter and all primary school pupils and their parents, along with primary school teachers, are all being encouraged to enter photographs, promoting walking to school, taken during ‘Walk to School Week’ from 19-23 May.

Danny Kennedy said: “Being active helps build a foundation for better health, which is just one of the many good reasons why Walk to School Week is such an important initiative.

“Incorporating walking into a daily school routine helps children keep fit and healthy and it helps them develop greater personal independence.

“With more children now walking to school, the environment also benefits from reduced vehicle pollution and congestion, and that is good news for everyone.

“The Walk to School Week photography competition is free, educational and fun, so I encourage everyone to get snapping.”

Primary schools are invited to submit their ‘top ten’ photographs to be in with a chance to win a photography master class with a professional photographer for up to 60 pupils.

Five runner-up prizes, one from each Education and Library Board, will win an online photography workshop or the chance to have professional photograph taken of each class.

Travelwise NI will be organising a number of exhibitions in shopping centres and community venues right across Northern Ireland to display the entries.

All entries must be received no later than May 30. To find out more, contact Travelwise NI on 028 9054 0096, or visit nidirect.gov.uk/travelwiseni or email Michael.Lindsay@drdni.gov.uk