Primary schools 'Leg it to Lapland'

Nearly 1800 pupils in East Lothian took part in the Leg it to Lapland challenge run by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

While walking, scooting or cycling to school, the pupils clocked up an amazing total of 16,660 miles - enough to get from Scotland to Lapland and back three times over.

The 1756 youngsters hailed from Haddington Primary, Wallyford Primary, Stenton Primary, West Barns Primary and St Gabriel’s RC Primary in Prestonpans.

We joined with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to ask primary schools to sign up, and East Lothian had the highest number of pupils taking part amongst all of Scotland’s local authorities.

They were challenged to walk, scoot or cycle to school last month to reach a combined tally matching the 2400 mile distance from Scotland to Santa’s home in Lapland before Christmas Day. Extra miles could be earned by taking part in other types of exercise, both as part of the school day or at home.

Leg it to Lapland is run as part of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s I Bike programme which works to encourage a whole school approach to active travel.

Across Scotland, more than 30 schools and almost 5000 pupils took part in the challenge. Collectively they travelled a total of 60,742 miles.

Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Active Journeys at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to have had almost 5000 pupils take part from schools across Scotland.

“We know that young people want to stay active, but they need more support to do so - whether that be safer routes to school or challenges like this that their school can take part in.

“This has been a great nudge to help us all get outdoors and stay active, especially as the days draw in. The pupils’ determination shows that they are not daunted by any weather.”

The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust have made a short film celebrating the efforts of children taking part. The film features pupils from Wallyford Primary School, Haddingtion Primary School and St Gabriel’s RC Primary School.