For the first time the school participated in National Walk Safely to School Day, with about 350 students forming "walking buses".

Advanced skills teacher Olivia Skirving said the school wanted to encourage children to be active, promote road safety and help the environment by walking instead of driving to school.

"This is our very first year that we've been part of it and as you can see by the turnout, it's been a great success," she said.

"Hopefully we can build on this and it will only get better. We want every child to come to school safely every day."

Now in its 22^nd year nationally, the day raises awareness of the health and environmental benefits of regular walking.

East Launceston Primary School principal Mrs Emmy Brient said there were lots of enthusiastic students who had gotten up extra early to enjoy their walk to school with friends.

"We know that students who get regular exercise in the fresh air are more focused in the classroom and enjoy their work more," she said.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chief executive Harold Scruby said physical inactivity remained a major risk factor for so many chronic diseases.

"One in four children in Australia is overweight or obese, and it is expected that numbers will reach one in three by next year," he said.

"Children require at least 60 minutes huff and puff physical activity every day.

"We should encourage them to include walking at the beginning, during and end of each day - if you can't walk all the way, use public transport and get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to school."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: