ALLENDALE Primary School has been named the best school in Northumberland for the work it has done to encourage pupils to travel to school sustainably.

The award, which was presented at the Modeshift STARS Regional Awards for the East of England, recognised a number of schemes at the school.

Modeshift STARS is a national school travels award scheme supported by the Department for Transport.

Road safety outside the school has been improved and a new path that allows pupils access from the other side of the village has been created.

In addition, pupils have taken part in initiatives such as Bikeability, Walk on Wednesdays and Walk to School Week.

Allendale primary headteacher Alison Hawkins said: “We are really proud to have won. We are a very active school and this award recognises all the work we do to promote the health and wellbeing of all the children and staff in our school.”

Schools are nominated for the awards by their local authorities, with all nominated schools invited to the regional awards.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for the environment and local services at Northumberland County Council said: “What has happened at Allendale is a superb example of parents, the school, and the local community working together.

“It demonstrates how effectively a rural school can successfully promote sustainable travel by embracing STARS as Allendale has. The benefits of giving pupils these really important life skills has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of cars now at the school gate each day.”