This year’s MEGA Motion campaign received royal blessing when it was kicked off by a Prince Bishop.
Pupils from schools across south Durham taking part in the competition came together at Auckland Castle to mark the start of this year’s scheme. As well as hearing all about the benefits of healthy and environmentally ways of getting to school, the children also enjoyed a tour of the castle and got to try lawn games and archery.
Throughout the academic year, ten competition winning pupils will get to lead their classmates to school in a fancy dress theme that they have chosen. The Durham County Council backed MEGA Motion scheme aims to encourage children to walk, scoot or ride to school to make them aware of the health and environmental benefits from an early age.
As well as the fun walks pupils earn points every time they use sustainable travel to get to school with those collecting the most points throughout the year being crowned MEGA heroes.
Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We’re delighted that MEGA Motion is underway again and would like to wish the children good luck in this year’s competition. MEGA Motion is a brilliant scheme that encourages our children, in a fun way, to be healthier and more environmentally friendly every day. As well as being great fun for the kids it also cuts down traffic meaning whole communities benefit from a greener, healthier environment.”
MEGA Motion comes under the wider Local Motion campaign promoting sustainable transport throughout south Durham.