STUDENTS have been awarded for their outstanding commitment to cycling.

The Wey Valley School will become the first school in Dorset to be awarded charity Sustrans’ Silver School Mark Award next week.

The award recognises the school, students, staff and parents’ efforts to increase pupils’ cycling levels on the school journey.

Local councillors and Sustrans schools officer Jonathan Dixon will present the award and plaque. In order to continue the pro-cycling culture, a bike pump will be installed near the school’s bike shelters.

Mr Dixon said: “It is fantastic to see the Wey Valley School doing so much to help people cycle confidently and safely. Cycling is good for students’ 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.”

Mark Tewkesbury, county councillor for Broadway said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Wey Valley and it is great to see so many children cycling to school.”