YOUNGSTERS at a Rawdon school have got on their bikes and become the first ever winners of a national campaign.

Just two years ago none of the pupils at Rawdon Littlemoor cycled to school. But they have now been named national champions for promoting safe and sustainable travel, after beating off competition from other regional finalists at an event in London.

They were presented with the inaugural National STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) School of the Year award. The scheme was set up by the Department of Transport to recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.

The Rawdon school has reduced the number of pupils travelling by car from 45.9 per cent to 27.4 per cent over the last two years. Over the same period the number of pupils cycling to school has risen from 0 to 42.They have also fundraised to install a cycle track in the school grounds and held a Glastonbury themed festival to help raise the funds - with more than 500 parents and pupils camping out overnight as part of the event.

Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew was at the ceremony to see pupils, Meryl Frazer and Winnie Offland accept the award.