Schools, workplaces and residents across East Suffolk are being encouraged to tackle air pollution in their communities.

In the weeks leading up to Clean Air Day on June 20, East Suffolk Council (ESC) is working to help raise awareness of the causes of air pollution and how improved air quality can benefit health.

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution campaign and, in preparation for its moment in the spotlight, visits have been made to schools including Roman Hill Primary School in Lowestoft and Pakefield Primary School.

The council's air quality officers have been speaking to motorists outside schools to discuss the pollution caused by idling vehicles and asking parents to switch off their engines outside schools.

Children have also been invited to become air quality ambassadors for their schools and will attend a lesson at the council's offices in Lowestoft and Melton next month.

Phil Gore, head of environmental services and at ESC, said: "Air pollution has serious health impacts with dirty air contributing to 40,000 deaths every year in the UK.

"We want to raise awareness of the simple things people can do in their everyday lives to improve air quality.

"Clean Air Day is a chance to find out more about air pollution, share information with friends and family and help make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone."

Visit the ESC website to find out more about tackling air pollution.