26 April 2012

Local school leads the way in travel challenge
Olderfleet Primary School in Larne is taking part in the Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge, which aims to monitor pupils£ travel patterns over a four-week period

Pupils and parents are being encouraged to move away from private-car use and adopt more environmentally-friendly travel modes such as walking, cycling, buses and trains.

The challenge assists schools in achieving the prestigious and internationally-recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and Translink£s Lynda Shannon said there are many other benefits for those participating.

£Sustainable travel including passenger transport has a big role to play in reducing local carbon emissions.

£It is therefore important that we instil the value of more sustainable lifestyles amongst children from an early age,£ she added.

£Walking and cycling to school or even walking to your nearest bus stop or train station also helps children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity; helping to maintain a healthy weight, boost the immune system and promote self-esteem.£

Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools manager for TIDY Northern Ireland said the challenge represented a fantastic opportunity for pupils and parents to adopt more eco-friendly travel habits while learning more about the impact of travel choices on environmental sustainability.

£Participating in the Travel Challenge is also a great way to help schools to achieve the internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag and we wish all participating schools success with their Travel Challenges£, she concluded

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