THE head teacher of a Penarth school has praised staff and pupils for taking part in an annual bike trail.

Ysgol Y Deri, which caters for more than 250 pupils with specialist needs between the ages of three and 19, held The Taff Trail Challenge to raise money to help their students enjoy cycling.

The challenge sees pupils ride from Brecon to Penarth and celebrated its sixth year over the weekend.

Head teacher of Ysgol Y Deri, Chris Britten said this year was the biggest Taff Trail Challenge that the school has held so far with hundreds turned up.

“It was a perfect day for cycling and we combined the finish line at the school with a fun day for families and friends,” said Mr Britten. “There was a great atmosphere and all the riders enjoyed the challenge – even if some of us were a little fatigued afterwards.

“I’d like to thank the riders who took part and also all the staff and helpers who drove us to the start, looked after us on the way and made the day at the school such a success.

“In particular I’d like to thank the team who organised the event who work behind the scenes for months in advance.”

This year the event has raised around £3,000 so far and the money is still being counted. Everything raised from the event will be put towards specialist bikes and also a sensory bike trail which is being developed around the perimeter of the school.

The trail will allow the children to discover smells, textures and activity stations.

Speaking about the trail, Mr Britten said: ”The sensory trail will be a multi-purpose trail designed to cater for the needs of many of our pupils. For some it will be an off road cycling path where they can practice their bike handling skills and gain confidence cycling on varying surfaces.

“For others it will be a sensory experience where they can explore and experience.”

People can still donate to the event to help raise more money by visiting justgiving.com/ashgrovepfa