Cheshire West and Chester Council is encouraging local schools to get involved with this year's Big Pedal Challenge, which is organised by Sustrans, a charity which works to promote walking and cycling.

The challenge will run between 19 and 30 April, with schools competing each day to see who can record the greatest number of pupils, staff and parents cycling, walking, scooting or using a wheelchair to get to school.

Schools can register to take part for one, five or ten days, with prizes being awarded every day.

The Council's Director of Environment and Communities, Maria Byrne said: "The World Health Organisation recommends cycling and walking to school as a primary way for people to reduce their carbon emissions. At morning peak, one in four cars on the road is on the school run – responsible for generating half a million tonnes of CO2 per year.

"Making the switch to active travel will also help towards our country's target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 as part of our commitment to tackle the Climate Emergency.

"We're encouraging as many people as possible to get out there, become fitter and healthier, and help improve the air quality around our schools too."

"If you live further away from your school and take your children by car the Council's Road Safety Team recommends parking a little way from the school and walking the last 10 to 15 minutes into school. This will help reduce congestion and air pollution at the school gates and improve road safety.

"If walking or cycling to school, even part of the way is not an option, pupils can still get involved by taking an active travel journey at another time during their day. Perhaps a family bike ride, walk or scoot when they get home from school."

For more information on how to register, visit the Sustrans website.