SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the district have been celebrating Clean Air Day.

More than 60 pupils took part in a range of activities to learn about air quality and the environment.

Bradford Council staged the initiative, together with partners from SkillsHouse, Northern Gas Networks, Born in Bradford and Asthma and Lung UK.

Some of the schools represented had been allocated funding as part of the Clean Air Schools Programme.

Grants have supported various measures designed to improve air quality outside schools – such as bike and scooter storage areas, improved cycle paths, walking buses and cycle-to-school schemes, the development of forest schools, plant screens and learn-to-ride training.

A council spokesperson says: "Bradford has a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to improve air quality and encourage only the cleanest vehicles to enter the city.

"Every ward in Bradford district that cleaner vehicles travel through will benefit from improved air quality, even those outside the CAZ.

"There are more electric taxis, and the number of non-compliant vans, lorries, taxis and buses will continue to fall. As a result, air quality will continue to improve across the district.

"Cleaner air has health benefits for everyone, but especially for the elderly and young children, as well as those with existing health conditions.

"Pollutants in the air that have been traced to vehicles can lead to respiratory infections, decreased lung function and heart problems, and may worsen symptoms of asthma. Removing or limiting the number of polluting vehicles that can enter a city or town centre will improve its air quality, having a positive impact on the health of those living and working there. Research in Bradford has indicated that the largest health benefits will be felt by the most deprived communities in the district."

Sally Jones, the council's environment manager, says: "We know that air pollution in Bradford district is directly affecting the health of everyone who lives and works here, especially the most deprived and the young and old. The CAZ is reducing the impact of pollution across the district.

"Clean Air Day was a great way for everyone to learn more about why any amount of air pollution can be damaging to our health.

"We are looking forward to working with schools in our Clean Air Schools Programme, which will improve road safety and air quality around schools to benefit children, parents and staff at the beginning and end of the school day."