EASTLEIGH MP BACKS FREE MAPS FOR 11 YEAR OLDS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 28th Sep 2007

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has backed the Ordnance Survey's scheme to provide free walking maps for all eleven year olds.

The scheme has been run every year since 2002 and offers a free OS Explorer map to every pupil in year 7 and Primary 7.

"This is a great opportunity for children to get to know how to read a map by walking out the terrain, and it introduces them to a fantastic and healthy outdoors pursuit" said Mr Huhne.

According to the OS website, 5 out of 9 schools in Eastleigh have already applied for the free maps, or 56 per cent of the total. This compares with 35 per cent of all schools nation-wide. By the end of last year, 92 per cent of schools had applied and received free maps.