With cycling becoming more and more popular and with an ever increasing number of vehicles on the roads, a Calne school is doing all it can to keep pupils safe.

Children in Year 6 at St Margaret’s Preparatory School have been taking part in Bikeability courses which teach not only cycling skills and road safety, but also how to look after a bike.

All 32 pupils in the year group have undertaken an intensive two day course and all passed with flying colours. Bikeability instructor, Paul Freeguard, said: "It’s about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today’s roads. Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.

"The children also looked carefully at the Highway Code, road signs, how to cycle around roundabouts and direction of traffic at junctions."

The children's cycling experience was built up gradually, practising on the playground, then the quiet roads and finally, when and if Mr Freeguard felt they were ready, they progressed onto the busier roads.

Year 6 teachers, Sarah Beach and Sarah Giles praised the children for their effort and skill. They said: "They all did extremely well and grew in confidence."

Bikeability is a Government backed project which is billed as Cycling Proficiency for the 21st Century.