PUPILS at primary schools across Bridgwater are taking part in an inter-school event to improve health and their impact on the environment.

The Bridgwater Schools Challenge, which is part of Somerset County Council's (SCC) Bridgwater Way initiative, is starting this week.

Primary schools will be taking on the active travel challenge and they can potentially win cash prizes for their school if they come out top.

Pupils at participating schools will be logging how they get to school with cycling, walking or scooting scoring the most points. Pupils can also car share with friends to cut down on congestion.

Councillor John Woodman, SCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “We can all play a part in cutting down on congestion in our towns, and the Bridgwater Way is a great example of how we can support safe active travel to school.

“We’re looking forward to seeing who comes top in the Challenge, but the most important thing is that we encourage children and parents to travel actively whenever they can.

"It’s good for their health and the environment.”

The Bridgwater Way initiative encourage residents to take up cycling or walking in a bid to improve physical and mental health.

There are more activities coming up for schools as well, including:

n Cycle maintenance training for pupils to support their Bikeability training, with sessions for teachers and parents too

n Walk to school weeks and activities

n Bling up your bike/soup up your scooter celebration days in school

n Active travel rewards schemes in schools

n Dr Bike healthchecks for get bikes into tip top condition

n Be safe be seen activities to keep everyone safe on the journey to school

n A pilot scheme for teachers to trial an e-bike for the journey to school

Secondary school students can also get involved with opportunities to plan a climate friendly street and other interactive sessions in school to help them understand how they can have a positive impact on the environment and proactively plan for more walking and cycling in the future.