Pupils have been encouraged to walk, scoot or cycle to school as part of an Active Travel Challenge, aimed at helping to make children healthier.

The initiative, organised by Herts County Council’s Active and Safer Travel Team and sponsored by estate agents Wrights, was embraced by pupils at three Stevenage primary schools - St Vincent de Paul, St Nicholas and Peartree Spring.

The week-long challenge saw journeys to school recorded each day to see which classes travelled the most by walking, scooting or cycling.

A spokesman for the county council said: “There are real benefits in active travel and it does make a difference, as children are healthier and more prepared for the day ahead. It also reduces pollution and congestion outside schools.”

Each school received a range of sports equipment which can be enjoyed by all the pupils during playtime.