: Pictured at Symington Primary School surrounded by pupils getting up and active are Cllrs Allan, Convery and Davies and Maria Galt Head Teacher.
Symington Primary has become the first school in South Ayrshire to gain a 'Go Active' Award in recognition of its work to increase the number of pupils and staff who walk or cycle to school regularly.
The award is given to schools that make a commitment and take steps to promote active travel. This involves developing a school travel plan, taking part in the annual Sustrans 'Hands-Up' survey and introducing at least one active travel initiative.
In Symington, the school has introduced a travel plan that has helped reduce the volume of traffic on the school run, improve safety on the school run and encourage healthy, environmentally-friendly and sustainable travel choices.
The school has carried out the national annual 'Hands Up' survey of how they get to school; took part in 'Walk Once A Week' or WOW campaign and carried out classroom based projects on active travel in line with the Curriculum for Excellence.
In recognition of the 'Go Active' Award, the school has received pedometers, a school certificate and 'Go Active' branding for the bike shelter.
Councillor Peter Convery, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment, popped in to congratulate the school. He said: "I'm delighted we now have our first 'Go Active' school in South Ayrshire and my congratulations to Symington Primary for achieving this.
"This is a great initiative that has really made pupils and staff think about how they travel to and from school. This is something we can all take on board and really consider the impact of every journey we make.
"The pupils and staff at Symington Primary are terrific role models and are showing us just how easy it is to 'Go Active'."
Maria Galt, Head Teacher of Symington Primary, added: "We are very proud of our 'Go Active' Award and I would like to thank the entire school community – pupils, staff, parents and carers – for their efforts in helping us achieve this. It only works if everyone plays their part and we've been really encouraged by the response we've received.
"This is only the start and we'll continue to 'Go Active' as much as we possibly can."