A total of 30 children in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will each become the proud owners of a new scooter following a competition to encourage more children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

Ahead of the new school year, BCP Council challenged local children aged four to 11 to submit a drawing, piece of writing or poem illustrating the benefits of being more active over travelling by car. Close to 50 entries were received across two age categories with 30 winners selected to receive a new JD bug scooter.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability said: “Congratulations to all our winners and we hope you enjoy using your new scooters on the way to and from school this year. We hope this will inspire your family, friends and peers to also appreciate the benefits of an active school run and where possible leave the car at home.”

The competition is part of BCP Council’s wider campaign to encourage more young people, parents and carers to consider alternative and more sustainable ways to travel to school.

Cllr Nicola Greene, portfolio holder for Schools, said: “We are pleased to have engaged so many young people and will continue to highlight the many benefits of walking, cycling and scooting more regularly to school in our community.

“These activities are a great way to build exercise into your routine, boost your mental health and wellbeing, get the children ready to learn and most importantly it’s fun for the whole family.”