PRIMARY school pupils from across Northwich and Winsford participated in the country’s biggest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling competition. 

The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel took place between March 21 and April 1, and aims to highlight the benefits an active school run can have on children and young people’s physical and mental health - as well as the environment.

Not only does the event help reduce pollution around the school gates, but in 2019 it helped parents to save an estimated £1.6 million in petrol costs during the fortnight.

The schools which took part include Grange Community Nursery and Primary, Over Hall, Great Budworth, Comberbach Nursery and Primary, Moulton, Sandiway, St Bede’s RC, St Mary’s Catholic, Charles Dawin, Barnton, Hartford, St Joseph’s Catholic, Darnhall, Kingsmead, Hartford Manor and Winnington Park.

Chris Story, partnership development manager for Vale Royal School Sport Partnership, said: It’s been wonderful to have so many children and families take part in this year’s Big Walk and Wheel.

“This year saw 16 schools contribute more than 18,000 active journeys with walking being really popular, but lots of children also cycled or used scooters.

“I know myself the positive effects travelling to work by bike has, compared to the days I take the car and form part of whichever traffic jam I find myself in!

“When children are active before school, we know they arrive ready to learn and help keep pollution down in their communities.”

Sustrans is a charity that aims to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, and is delivering the competition in partnership with Schwalbe and Vale Royal School Sport Partnership.

The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is an annual event open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN/ASN/ALN schools, with prizes to be won every day.

Free resources are available to encourage pupils to see their area from a new perspective, learn about the benefits of active travel and discover amazing journeys to school from around the world.