STRATTON Primary School is encouraging its pupils to be more active by walking, cycling and scooting to school as part of a five-day challenge called ‘The Big Shift’.

The Big Shift, an online challenge run by the charity Sustrans, encourage pupils to travel more actively to school, benefiting their health and helping to reduce congestion around the school gates.

The children are able to win prizes for being active all week. Local businesses have donated prizes, including surfing lessons, activity days, Easter eggs, toys, sweets and many more.

During the week children will be encouraged to travel actively every day as well as joining the ‘Giant Walking Bus’. Families also have the opportunity of a free bicycle check.

Mrs Louisa Collidge, sustainable travel co-ordinator said: “The Big Shift is having a great impact on the pupils and the way they travel to school. By encouraging our pupils to walk, cycle and scoot to school we’ve seen a reduction in congestion and pollution around the school gates, and have also helped the children to be healthier, and feel happier too.”

Gary Shipp, education and young person manager at Sustrans said: “The average primary school journey is just 1.5 miles — the perfect distance to walk, cycle or scoot.

“Sustrans created The Big Shift to help teachers encourage pupils to incorporate a little exercise into their daily routines, and it’s fantastic that the pupils at Stratton Primary School are really getting into the challenge.”