SCHOOLS across Warwickshire have saddled up for an event which encourages children to make journeys to and from school by bike or scooter.

The Big Pedal event, which is running between March 3 -14, has been going since 2009 and last year saw UK schools make 847, 725 journeys by scooter or bicycle. Points are awarded for the number of journeys made and an overall winner is chosen once the event is over.

Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for transport and planning, said: “Cycling is a great way for children to have fun and stay fit, I would like to wish all the schools in Warwickshire the best of luck for this year’s Big Pedal event and would remind those involved the importance of safely."

The competition is run by the charity Sustrans, which aims to get young people active.