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When Church Preen Primary School has a school outing – it does so in style.ÌýChurch Preen's winter walk was not so much a school outing as a community event.

On a clear, bright Sunday morning in February, pupils and teachers gathered at the school, together with parents, grandparents, local farmers, past pupils, and an assortment of friends, neighbours and dogs, all straining at the leash to begin a five-mile circular walk of the beautiful South Shropshire countryside.

Church Preen is a Walking School.ÌýA recipient of the Silver Travel Plan Award, the school promotesÌý the benefits, both ecological and for health, of walking, and each year takes part in Walking to School week.

The route, along public footpaths around Church Preen, gave many different terrains and glorious views of places such as Church Stretton, the Caradoc and the Ragleth Hills. Helping to lead the Winter Walk was Reg Dixon, a walk leader for the Walking for Health scheme. He was able to point out to the children much of the flora and fauna to be seen along the way and also to supply some of the background and history of the area.

The children had a wonderful time, leading the way for much of the walk, collecting sticks as souvenirs, and awed by the sight of a tiny calf and two new-born lambs.

Arriving back at the school tired but happy, all the participants were treated to refreshments and as the children tuckedÌý into their cake and chocolate biscuits, head teacherÌýJude Duffy declared the day such a resounding success that a spring walk next term was a distinct possibility!

If you want to know more about Walking for Health or if you would like to encourage people in your community to get out more, call the Action Desk for contacts and ideas.

This is part of the Dare to Care Campaign.