PUPILS at Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School clocked up 2,500 journeys in the Big Pedal cycling scheme.

Taking place over 10 days, the journeys were taken by children arriving by either bicycle or scooter with many children pedalling to school for the first time.

Out of 1,115 schools taking part in Big Pedal across the UK, Blaenavon Heritage ranked an impressive 307th and the children got to dress up as superheroes on the final day.

Year two teacher and sports co-ordinator Leanne Jones, said: “Considering it’s the first year we have done Big Pedal, I can’t believe how high we have ranked and how many kids got involved.

“Over the 10 days we saw a doubling of children taking part and it’s so important that children do cycle or scoot to school. I cycled up one day from Pontypool which took me an hour and 15 minutes.”

On the first day 20 per cent of pupils took part with over 40 per cent taking part by the final day. One teaching assistant, Debbie Lewis also cycled to school nine out of the 10 days while another teacher Adam Cornes cycled in all the way in from Ebbw Vale.

Head teacher Debbie Woodward said: “We want to encourage children to continue cycling to school as it won’t be worthwhile if they just stop now Big Pedal is over.”

The school is also doing a number of other initiatives this year to promote children being active including a new cheerleading club.