Cornwall Council is asking residents, businesses and staff to make a pledge to do their bit to improve air quality for National Clean Air Day on June 21.

Clean Air Day will see thousands of people up and down the country taking part in events, making personal pledges, walking to work or school instead of driving, and more. 

The Council is marking the day in Cornwall with events to help reduce engine idling in St Austell, Camelford and Launceston. 

Volunteers from the town councils and Cornwall Council councillors and staff will be giving advice to drivers waiting in traffic queues about the benefits of switching off their car engines if they are stationary for a minute or more. 

In Cornwall around 40% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution is caused by private diesel cars, and adjacent to a busy road around 80% of air pollution is caused by traffic. 

Schools will have the opportunity to take part in Clean Air Day with free educational packs provided by the Council. 

The packs aim to raise awareness of pollution among children by explaining why clean air is important, what stops air being clean, and how to avoid and reduce air pollution. 

There’s more information on the Clean Air Day page at cornwall.gov.uk