SCHOOLCHILDREN have been taking up the challenge of scooting to school as part of a council fitness campaign.

Dorset County Council and the charity Sustrans are aiming to encourage families to make a healthy change and up their physical activity.

More than 1,400 children took part in the hope of winning a Scooter Pod for their school.

The winning school, Trinity First School in Verwood, had 89 per cent of its pupils scooting to school, closely followed by Verwood First School, which had 73 per cent of children taking part.

Parley First School came third with 64 per cent of pupils scooting.

Cllr Peter Finney, cabinet member for environment, said only 35 per cent of children were getting the recommended hour of physical activity every day, despite the average school journey being 1.6 miles from home.

“Walking, scooting or cycling to school is a great way for children to be more active and brings a whole range of other benefits to their health and wellbeing.

“Studies show that children who cycle, walk or scoot to school are better able to concentrate in class. By leaving the car at home, there is also a reduction in traffic congestion, pollution and carbon emissions.”

Rachel Alcock-Hodgson, Sustrans’ school officer in Dorset, added: “The enthusiasm shown by the children has been tremendous.

“Hopefully many will continue to scoot every day.”