Schoolchildren have a ticket to ride

Aspinal Primary School hopes pedal power will inspire more schoolchildren and parents to consider taking a greener and healthier journey to school.

Tomorrow Friday 25 March up to 50 pupils from Aspinal will jump on the saddle and cycle to school as part of national Bike to School Week.

The event is being co-ordinated by Friends of Aspinal, the school's parent-teacher association.

It is hoped the imminent arrival of bike sheds in school, which will be attached to its long-awaited new canteen building, will be a catalyst for children and parents to ditch the car and choose a more environmentally-friendly option.

Between 30 to 50 pupils aged 5 to 11 are expected to arrive by bike on Friday.

They will be able to get their bikes marked against theft by the local PCSO, Paul Boardman, who will also be giving the children advice about road and cycling safety. There will be a raffle for all children who arrive by bike, and parents will be able to pick up green tips at the regular Parents Cafe.

Aspinal's Community Manager Sue Hardy said the event had been made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of Aspinal, who had worked in close partnership with the school.

She added: "We hope that the event will encourage children and parents to find greener ways of getting to school. It also demonstrates the school's commitment to healthy lifestyles."

Coun Sheila Newman, Executive Member for Children's Services, Manchester City Council, said: "Aspinal Primary School deserves full credit for promoting this excellent initiative. Cycling is a wonderful way of keeping fit and being green and I'm sure all the schoolchildren taking part on Friday will see the benefits for themselves and hopefully it will encourage others to consider getting on their bike too."