Walking to school can earn rewards for pupils

The Government promised grants to reward schools that are encouraging pupils to shun their parents’ motors - and more schools in Barnsley applied than from any other borough in the country.

Now Mayor of Barnsley Coun Len Picken, and players from Barnsley Football Club, have launched a borough-wide walking initiative for all primary school pupils, as part of European Mobility Week. An amazing 97 per cent of schools in Barnsley applied for a grant, the highest number of applications for any local authority in the country.

Most schools decided to join forces by developing a Barnsley-wide initiative.

Pupils who regularly walk, cycle or catch the bus to school will be rewarded with free entry to activities like swimming, 10-pin bowling, football coaching and ice skating.

The Barnsley scheme will be funded by more than 110,000 over the next three years.

Coun Picken said: “This is a wonderful example of schools, council staff and businesses working in partnership to achieve rewards for Barnsley children. Rewarding children for travelling to school sustainably will not only help the environment, but will also encourage exercise and help to tackle congestion around the school gates.”