A HOYLAND primary school has been named as just one of eight across the country to receive a national award for promoting active and sustainable travel.

West Meadows achieved a platinum Modeshift STARS award, and marked the achievement by becoming the second school in the borough to close the road outside the premises to encourage parents and children to walk in.

They have been a part of the Modeshift STARS scheme since 2016 and in that time have delivered a number of initiatives including road safety awareness and on-road cycle schemes.

Daniel Wood, headteacher at the school, said: “We are extremely proud to become one of the first schools in the country to achieve this.

“The wellbeing of our pupils is hugely important to us, and we are constantly going the extra mile to encourage healthier, safer and happier journeys to school.

“Increased physical activity at the start and end of the school day is great for physical health, but it also means pupils are more alert, focused and ready to learn in class.”

The road outside the school was closed on Tuesday and Coun Chris Lamb, cabinet spokesperson for environment and place, believes the scheme can make the streets a ‘more enjoyable’ place to be.

He added: “By closing the road to traffic, we can create a cleaner and more pleasant environment outside our schools.

“This will also allow us to host activities for children and demonstrate that streets can be enjoyable places for children and families to live, work, learn and play together.”