PUPILS at a Yoker primary school have started the new school year off on the right foot.

Youngsters at St Brendan’s are ditching taking the car to school and instead walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting to class.

Pupils are taking part in WOW, the walk to school challenge from Living Streets Scotland, alongside more than 280 primary schools from across the country.

Young people at St Brendan’s have launched a new year of WOW this week with a celebration event where they were joined by Strider, the charity’s mascot.

The initiative rewards children who walk to school at least once a week with collectible badges which are given out each month. There are ten to collect across the academic year.

On average, schools participating in WOW have reportedly seen a 13 percent increase in pupils walking to school in Scotland with a corresponding drop in car use.

It is hoped that this will help reduce congestion and increase safety outside of school gates.

Gemma Rutherford, head teacher at St Brendan’s Primary, said: "St Brendan’s is proud to host the launch of the Walk to School programme.

"Our pupils have been using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker for years now and they love having the opportunity to log their journeys each morning as they arrive at school in a fun, engaging, and easy way.” 

Stuart Hay, director of Living Streets Scotland, said: “WOW is simple to run and pupils love to take part.

"Just a few minutes of a teacher’s day is all it takes to make a big difference. 

“We see a lot of dedication and enthusiasm from pupils and staff across Scotland and are thrilled that so many schools are taking part.

"We’re looking forward to families getting on their feet this year and experiencing the many benefits walking to school can bring to our health and happiness.”