FAMILIES across the South are being urged to take part in the Big Pedal, which is the UK’s largest cycling, walking and scooting challenge for schools.

This year the competition will take place from Monday, March 25 to Friday, April 5 and will encourage young people to travel by bike, foot or scooter to school.

Angellica Bell, British television and radio presenter, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting this year’s Big Pedal.

It’s a fantastic way to encourage more children to cycle, walk or scoot – doing wonders for their health and the environment around them.”

New research has shown that four in ten children breath in toxic air at school, leaving them at an increased risk of developing lifelong conditions including asthma.

The event, organised by Sustrans will see primary and secondary schools compete with each other to make the most journeys by bike, foot or scooter.

James Cleeton, England South director at Sustrans, said: “The Big Pedal may only run for two weeks but can leave a lasting effect on the way children travel to school by showing parents what’s possible and how easy it can be to leave the car at home for a few extra journeys a week.”

This is the first year that walking is part of the competition, for more information on how to take part visit: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/bigpedal.