Primary school run parents ditch the car for fourth annual Sawbo Travel Challenge

The five primary schools in the Sawbridgeworth area have been encouraging families to ditch the car this week as part of the fourth annual Sawbo Travel Challenge, culminating in a ‘Selfie Walk' on Saturday (Sept 28).

Children at Fawbert and Barnard, Mandeville, Reedings, Spellbrook and High Wych are given special passports which get stamped with footprints every time the child walks, scoots or cycles to school. Extra motivation comes from themed dressing-up days, from Eco Monday to Funky Footwear Friday.

“My favourite day is Wacky Wednesday as last year I wore a purple wizard cape and large yellow sunglasses and everyone thought it was funny” said Fergus, 6, from Mandeville.

On Saturday, families can take part in a 'Selfie Walk’, collecting Buster-inspired stationery and taking silly pictures with props.

The sustainable transport push is a collaboration between the five schools, the town council, Herts County Council Travel Team and Buster, their Stepasaurus mascot.

Friendly competition between schools is encouraged, culminating in an awards ceremony in October organised by the town council.

Last year, the Sawbo Travel Challenge was a key factor in the town winning the national primary school category at the Modeshift STARS National Schools Travel Awards. The award was presented in a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in March.