Pupils at more than 60 primary schools took part in the borough’s Active Travel Challenge this autumn by walking, scooting or cycling on the school run.

Each child received a specially designed bookmark which was stamped each day they took part, and all pupils who participated for the 10 days of the challenge received a sticker.

The challenge encourages pupils to walk or cycle to school and, by doing so, aims to raise awareness of the health, social and environmental benefits.

During the summer term children from local schools participated in a competition to design the bookmark for this year’s active travel challenge.

The pupils were tasked with drawing what they enjoy on their journey to school. The winning design was from Hobbayne Primary School. The winner received a Halfords gift card and a scooter pod for the school and her design was used to create the bookmark for this year’s challenge.

Councillor Mik Sabiers, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “It is great to see so many children and schools participating in the active travel challenge.

“Active travel to school has positive impacts on children’s lifestyles, it can contribute to their daily exercise and help them arrive to school alert, refreshed and ready to learn. It also helps to raise awareness of health, social and environmental benefits, it is very exciting to see so many children and parents participating in these initiatives and doing their bit for the environment.

“The majority of children in Ealing live close to their school and I encourage schools in Ealing to promote sustainable and active travel on the school run.”

The council’s school travel team works with schools to help them encourage pupils and their parents to walk, cycle or scoot to school and avoid unnecessary car journeys. For more information on the support available to schools in Ealing, contact sta@ealing.gov.uk