Schools in the Vale of Glamorgan are being encouraged to participate in the UK’s largest commuting challenge, Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel.

The contest, running from March 11-22, 2024, urges students to walk, cycle, or use scooters when travelling to school.

This aims to help them understand the benefits of active commuting, including better air quality and a healthier planet.

Sustrans, partnered with Schwalbe Tyres UK and Vale of Glamorgan Council, has been promoting the annual competition for its 15th year.

Siani Colley-Nester, Sustrans Cymru curriculum and communications coordinator stated: "Millions of pupils have risen to the challenge and embraced active travel throughout these past 15 years of Sustran's Big Walk and Wheel."

All primary and secondary schools across the UK, including ALN schools and PRUs, are encouraged to partake.

In 15 years, a collective 23.9 million miles have been travelled by pupils, equalling around 200 trips to the moon or 1,900 times the Earth's circumference.

This has reduced CO2 emissions by 12,700 tons on school routes.

Xavier Brice, CEO at Sustrans, added: "Parents save money by not having to drive and children get to be out and about exploring their world. This gives our children healthy habits they can take with them into adulthood."