BARKWAY School has been recognised for its top class efforts in encouraging pupils to walk or cycle to school. It was one of nearly 50 Hertfordshire Schools to pick up a gold travel plan plaque from Herts County Council s School Travel Plan team last mont

BARKWAY School has been recognised for its top class efforts in encouraging pupils to walk or cycle to school.

It was one of nearly 50 Hertfordshire Schools to pick up a gold travel plan plaque from Herts County Council's School Travel Plan team last month.

Jenny Heinzelmann, head teacher at the school, said: "The award is lovely and we are very pleased.

"It fits in with the general message to pupils to be healthy, and with our food for life partnership.

"The children are very keen and love bringing in their bikes and scooters.

"It shows that just because we are a small school it doesn't mean we can't do our bit for the planet."

County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for environment, transport and rural affairs, also presented representatives of the school with a £100 voucher for school equipment in acknowledgment of their achievements in keeping their school travel plans active over three years.

Cllr Pile said: "I congratulate all our schools who are working hard to cut congestion on the county's roads by encouraging pupils to walk or cycle to school.

"I was delighted to honour their efforts, and hope they will continue to promote the health and environmental benefits of travel plans."

School travel plans encourage safe walking and cycling to school, manage car journeys on the 'school run' and help everyone who goes to the school to understand how the way they travel links to safety, children's health, and the environment.

Travel plans at Barkway School include a walking bus, which Mrs Heinzelmann says is "going very well."

The school also offers cycling proficiency courses and has taken part in fund-raising to provide cycle racks for those who bike to school.

It is also working with the parish council in the hope that parking restrictions can be put outside the school to make it safe for those children walking.