Ref. 30950-28PUPILS and their families gave up their trip to school in a car and took to their bikes instead to promote healthy lifestyles.

Normally only 15 children cycle or walk to Covingham Park Infant School.

Head teacher Moyra Holmes said the enthusiasm of the children and their parents to take part in the Bike Week event was fantastic.

"This was a phenomenal event and we are planning to stage this twice a term instead of just once a year.

"Normally only about three children per class of 30 cycle or walk but this week there has been 20 per class.

"The children had a healthy breakfast at school too with strawberries, porridge and bread and cheese and jam. Lots of parents stayed to help too."

Mrs Holmes said parents driving their children to school had become a major issue.

"We are in a cul-de-sac and I am frightened about what might happen to children while cars are doing three-point turns.

"We also want to reassure residents that we are doing something to reduce the traffic in the street.

"Most important of all, the habits the children form now will be the habits of the future."