An Oldham primary school has received an active travel award.

Lyndhurst Primary School, on Heron Street, has received a Bronze Award in the ‘Modeshift STARS’ scheme, in recognition of its work to encourage active and sustainable travel.

The national awards scheme recognises schools promoting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel, to improve the health and well-being of young people. 

To gain the accreditation, the school had to complete a walk-to-school “hands up” survey.

The school then submitted evidence of the different ways they encouraged active, sustainable travel and promoted safer streets. 

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The school now walks to sporting events and swimming lessons, parking the school bus further away, rather than right outside venues.

The school council has also worked on safer parking and promoted walking to school.

As part of this, Lyndhurst now offers a park and stride, and is in regular contact with families, encouraging them to walk to school as well as participating in Bikeability. 

The Bronze Award will support Lyndhurst’s quest to encourage safer parking and other forms of travel around the school.

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Headteacher Lizzie Egan-Walsh said: “We’re thrilled to receive the award, which is a testament to the hard work of staff and pupils.

“I’m extremely proud of the school, as the survey has shown how sustainable awareness and making the effort to walk to school is a key focus for many of our pupils. 

“Encouraging active travel such as cycling and walking has so many benefits, for the environment and street safety, as well as children’s health and well-being.

“At Lyndhurst, we’re excited to continue this momentum and our journey towards securing cleaner, safer streets.”

Starting from last month, the school now plans to participate in the ‘TravelWise week’ every September.

The week promotes active travel and public transport, with schools, workplaces and other organisations encouraged to organise active and sustainable travel activities for each day in the week.