Schools across Worcestershire have been invited to participate in the UK's largest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge.

The Big Walk and Wheel Week, organised by Bike Worcester, is celebrating 15 years as the nation’s leading active transport challenge.

Taking place from Monday 11 to Friday, March 22, the challenge inspires pupils to actively travel to school, in efforts to improve air quality both in their neighbourhoods and the wider world.

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Bike Worcester volunteers are offering their support to help schools launch Bike Buses in efforts to make this year’s Big Walk and Wheel the most successful yet.

Schools that already participate in Bike Buses include North Worcester Primary Academy, St George's Catholic Primary School, and St Barnabas C.E. Primary School.

Louise Bury, executive headteacher at St George's, said: "It is a great opportunity to be part of supporting the health and wellbeing of our children in such a fun way".

On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see which can clock up the most pupils travelling to school by walking, wheeling, scooting, or cycling.

The initiative not only improves communities but also aids parents in saving money on petrol, with £1.6 million saved during the 2023 challenge.

Teachers have reported students arriving to school relaxed, alert and ready to engage in classroom activities.

Alex Mace, a parent who organises the weekly Bike Bus to St Barnabas', added: "The Big Walk and Wheel means we have a whole week of fun, kids love cycling to school with their friends and practising their bike skills.

"We invite even more families to join in and give it a go, let’s see if we can win prizes for our schools in Worcester."

This year's challenge is free for all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN schools.

There are daily prizes for schools if over 15 per cent of their students walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school.

If you are interested in setting up a Bike Bus, support is available from Bike Worcester, funded by a grant from Worcester City Council.

To learn more, visit www.bikeworcester.org.uk.