SCHOOL children are aiming to improve air quality across Barrow after the launch of a new campaign.

Pupils and their teachers from Furness Academy, St Pius X, Ramsden Infants and Newton Primary School are raising awareness of the damage that engine emissions can cause around schools.

Officers from Barrow Borough Council visited each school to share their expertise with pupils about air pollution and the steps everyone can take to limit their exposure to car emissions.

The schools carried out a range of activities to promote the message, including hosting special assemblies, carrying out traffic surveys and asking drivers to take a no idling pledge.

The aim of the initiative is to create a healthier environment for students, teachers, parents and residents throughout the borough.

The children have engaged with Cumbria Police and created posts for social media and their parent apps in a bid to educate motorists across the area.

Councillor Ann Thomson, Barrow Borough Council leader, said: “By turning off your engine you will improve the quality of air inside and outside of the car, reduce pollution, help cut heart disease, reduce lung cancer and prevent asthma attacks.

“The No Idling campaign shows how one small everyday change can make a big difference.

“These students are all working with our officers to improve air quality around school.

“But whether you’re driving to school, hospital or to the shops, please turn off your engine and do your bit to make Barrow a cleaner, greener place.

“Vehicle exhaust fumes are damaging to everyone’s health, but it especially affects children, who breathe more and at a faster rate than adults.

“By turning off engines near schools, drivers can improve the quality of air for our youngest generation and everyone in the area.”

Public Health England estimates long term exposure to particulate air pollution has an equivalent effect to between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths in England every year.

This makes air pollution the largest environmental risk linked to deaths every year.

An idling engine produces unnecessary pollution and can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as an engine in motion.

By not idling, drivers reduce the level of harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere and reduce their carbon footprint.

It is more fuel efficient to turn off your engine if you are going to be sitting for more than 30 seconds.