PUPILS at St. Ronan’s P. S., Lisnaskea were visibly glowing as they picked up yet another award for healthier travel to school.

Nearly three years on from starting the Active School Travel programme with charity Sustrans, which encourages more students to walk, cycle or scoot to school, fewer pupils at the school are now choosing to travel by car and bus.

Their efforts have been recently recognised as the school picked up the Silver School Mark award in May.

St. Ronan’s teacher Paul Foy said: “The children have had so much fun cycling, scooting and walking to and from school. We’ve been taking part in the Big Pedal competition, which has really boosted active travel in the town.

“Staff and parents volunteered to escort the walking group from Castle Park Centre and it’s been fantastic to see the wave of hi-vis vests through the town each morning!

“St. Ronan’s P. S. promotes healthy living for all its pupils and staff, and this programme has raised awareness of keeping our bodies fit and healthy.”

Sustrans Schools Officer for the South West area, Ann-Marie McManus, added: “St. Ronan’s really deserve this award for the recent kick-start they’ve given to the Active School Travel programme.

“We recognise their commitment to changing behaviours in the school community and can see a real spring in each pupil’s step with the renewed focus they’ve placed on fitness.

“The school did amazingly in the Big Pedal competition, coming top in their category for the South West area, and sixth in Northern Ireland – all of which has only been possible because of the hard work and enthusiasm of all the staff, pupils and parents,” she said.

St. Ronan’s P. S. are now working towards the prestigious Gold School Mark award, which they aim to achieve in the next school year.

For further information on the Active Travel Programme for schools, email Ann-Marie at annmarie.mcmanus@sustrans.org.uk, or see https://tinyurl.com/2sx47tzz.