CHILDREN who have taken part in sustainable travel schemes to and from school are among the first in Reading to gain national accreditation.

The Heights and Moorlands Primary School signed up to the Modeshift STARS initiative in preparation of National Clean Air Day.

Pupils from both schools were presented with bronze plaques and certificates at the Civic Offices on June 21 after demonstrating their awareness to the environment.

Karen Edwards, head teacher at the Heights, said: “As we are school in a temporary location, we are acutely aware of our impact in the community.

"We welcome the opportunity to raise children’s awareness of their impact on the local environment, as well as encouraging them to get moving and lead active lifestyles.

"Modeshift STARS sits very well within our school ethos and has provided an excellent framework to work upon. The school is now looking forward to working its way towards achieving the silver award.”

The Modeshift scheme encourages schools across the country to join in a major effort to increase levels of sustainable and active travel to school.

Children are invited to learn more about the impact of environmentally-friendly travel and improve their health and wellbeing by getting involved.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, added: “I would like to congratulate both children and staff The Heights and Moorlands who are leading the way in Reading in gaining national accreditation in this worthwhile scheme.

"Reading is a tight and highly developed urban area with many demands on limited road space, which makes it so important to encourage sustainable forms of travel wherever possible.

“I know the council is encouraging other schools to take up the challenge and I look forward to other schools in Reading following suit.”

Schools are encouraged to promote sustainable and active travel by introducing walk to school schemes and increasing the number of children who cycle through the Bikeability initiative.

Lesley Charlesworth, head of school at Moorlands, said: “A lot of our children cycle to school so the Bikeability sessions are really important. All the pupils who took part were enthusiastic about what they had learned."