Volunteer adults will walk the children to school

The "walking bus" also aims to encourage youngsters to keep fit as well as cut down on traffic congestion caused by the school run.

Volunteer adults will lead the escort service, along with the police and the city council.

It will be tried out in Broughty Ferry one day a week, but will be expanded if successful.

'Safety paramount'

Tayside Police road safety officer Donna Drummond said: "By choosing to walk, parents and children can be happy in the knowledge that they are helping to reduce carbon emissions, sustain the planet's resources and - most immediately - improving and maintaining their own health."

It is hoped the scheme, which will be launched at the start of National Walk to School Week, will encourage children to continue the practice as they get older.

Dundee City Council education convener Kevin Keenan said: "This is a tremendous initiative that promotes health through walking and also ensures that safety is paramount."