Pupils in Paisley have been walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting to school since returning to lessons after the summer break.

St Peter's Primary is one of 150 schools across the country taking part in Living Streets Scotland's walk-to-school challenge.

The WOW initiative sees pupils record their journey to school on an interactive travel tracker and rewards those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or 'Park and Stride' to school with a special badge.

Schoolkids were recently joined by Councillor Stephen Burns, depute convener of Renfrewshire Council's infrastructure, land and environment policy board, at a celebration assembly to mark the launch of the challenge.

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The Paisley Southwest representative told The Gazette: "It's so important that our young people stay fit and active so if they can do the morning commute to school on foot, by bike or by wheeling, then that's a great way to start the day. 

"Our schools have loved taking part in WOW and I'm looking forward to seeing their progress again this year."

Caitlin Maclean, principal teacher at St Peter's Primary, said: "All children from our ELCC to Primary 7 classes love to use the WOW Travel Tracker for recording their journeys to school.

"The system is really easy to use and can be displayed on the smartboard for children to complete themselves. Recording journeys is simple and user friendly."

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Chris Thompson, programme manager at Living Streets Scotland, added: "It's great that so many schools across Scotland are enjoying the many benefits that regular exercise can bring to our health and wellbeing.

"Walking to school can help children and their families start the day with a spring in their step. WOW is easy for teachers to use, and pupils love to take part."

Renfrewshire Council and Living Streets Scotland have worked in partnership for five years and continue to progress the active travel agenda in Renfrewshire schools and support the Renfrewshire Council Active Travel Strategy. 

In 2022-23, there were 20 schools taking part in the WOW programme, with more set to join for 2023/24. 

If your school would like to get involved with the WOW Walk to School challenge or you would like to find out more, send an email to scotschools@livingstreets.org.uk.