Damers First School has become the first primary school in Dorset to be awarded charity Sustrans’ Silver School Mark Award for its outstanding commitment to cycling, scooting and walking to school.

Sustrans Schools Officer Jonathan Dixon presented the award to congratulate children, parents and teachers for their efforts in increasing pupils’ cycling levels by transforming the school journey.

The school has run incentive schemes and competitions, and regularly sees over 50 bikes and over 100 scooters in the shelters. The staff and parents are particularly enthusiastic, with the PTA helping to run many of the events which the school puts on.

With the schools recent move to Poundbury, the Duchy of Cornwall have been very supportive of the initiative, providing prizes for competitions, and helping to install cycle racks outside the school.

Jonathan Dixon said: “It is fantastic to see Damers First School doing so much to help people cycle confidently and safely.

“Cycling is good for pupils’ health, confidence and independence and it makes them better learners in the classroom too.”

“We are very grateful to Dorset County Council for supporting our valuable work which has seen huge increases in the number of students cycling to school regularly.”

Sustrans works with over 30 schools in the county, in partnership with Dorset County Council to help children overcome the barriers preventing them cycling to school.

For more information call 0207 7807 231 or e-mail press@sustrans.org.uk