A SCHOOL in Bournemouth has come top in the county for cycling and scooting as part of a national competition.

More than three quarters of the children from St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary School at Talbot Village took part in the Big Pedal, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting competition.

In all, 31 schools from Dorset entered the competition, which saw schools compete to achieve the most journeys by bike and scooter to school in a two-week period.

St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary pedalled their way to victory with a whopping 2,926 journeys made in two weeks.

To celebrate their success the school enjoyed an afternoon of jaw dropping tricks, jumps and stunts on Monday when freestyle stunt show Savage Skills UK paid them a visit.

Supported by Bournemouth Borough Council and organised by Sustrans charity, 10 schools across Bournemouth took part in the national competition.

Emily Goldsmith, Sustrans Bike It Plus Officer, said: “It’s been amazing to see so many families getting involved in the ‘Big Pedal’ and having fun cycling and scooting to school.

“The school has worked really hard to help children keep fit and healthy through sustainable travel and it's great to see them enjoy their well deserved prize.”

Nationally, there were 1,142,374 journeys by bike and scooter during the Big Pedal.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for transport at the council, said: “I would like to congratulate the children at St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary on such a fantastic achievement and for putting Bournemouth ahead of the game.

“It is great to see so many Bournemouth schools participate in such events and enjoy the benefits of travelling to school by bike and scooter.

“As a town we are committed to making cycling easier, safer and more attractive so we can encourage more people to take to two wheels in and around Bournemouth.”