CARING children from the Heights Primary School have been recognised again for their efforts on walking and cycling to school.

A recent staff and pupil travel survey showed that a combined total of 12.15 per cent more pupils are walking, cycling, using ‘park and stride’, or public transport to get to or from school.

Car use has dropped by 5.5pc in comparison to the previous year.

The Caversham-based school has now become the first in Reading to achieve a Silver Modeshift STARS award – a national scheme which recognises schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting sustainable travel.

In order to achieve Silver accreditation, The Heights has carried out an additional five school consultation activities, 10 travel initiatives and five supporting initiatives, as well as demonstrating increases in sustainable travel use throughout the past two years.

This year, The Heights has installed a new scooter pod and additional cycle parking racks.

Pupils undertake a daily bike and scooter count, which has led to a new scooter pod being agreed to by school governors.

School children will be receiving a certificate at a school assembly on Monday, June 10.

Karen Edwards, headteacher at the Heights, said: "We are thrilled to learn that we have been awarded our Silver Modeshift Stars Accreditation, which reflects our whole school community's ethos and fundamental commitment to sustainable travel."

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council's lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: "Like every busy town or city, Reading suffers from congestion and air quality issues, which is having a detrimental effect on the health of residents.

"The council aims to do more to address this as part of its new Local Transport Plan, which we are consulting on this summer.

"The Heights have taken part in various active travel activities, such as Bikeability, Living Streets WOW (Walk on Wednesday) competition, and continue to use public transport or travel on foot to off-site activities where possible.

"In terms of consultations, the school has worked closely with the transport planning team at the council, as well as their school governors, parents teacher association and active travel working group.

"Reading Borough Council continues to encourage other schools to take part in the Modeshift STARS initiative, with Coley Primary and Alfred Sutton working towards the Bronze award."