Good health is at a stroll

GOLDEN Boot at Werneth School

PUPILS who put their best foot forward to cut congestion and improve their health have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Youngsters at Werneth Junior School have been eagerly competing to scoop the golden boot — a size 13 trainer sprayed gold.

The coveted trophy is awarded each week to the class with the most pupils walking to school and youngsters can also earn extra break time.

The scheme is part of the work which resulted in Werneth achieving healthy schools status. And as well as boosting exercise, it aims to cut the number of cars on busy Coppice Street outside the school by encouraging parents to walk rather than drive their children.

Teacher Nicola Baron, healthy schools co-ordinator, is looking forward to extending the scheme in the newly-created Werneth Primary School — which combines Werneth infant with the nursery and junior school.

She said: “We are extremely delighted to be nominated — it is a very good start for the new primary school.

“The reason we are pleased is the way the pupils have responded — they have really tried to walk to school more often. It has also made a difference to the traffic outside school.

“The scheme has been running for about a year and we have noticed a massive improvement. We are really looking forward to expanding the Golden Boot across both schools.”

l To nominate someone for an award, fill in and return the form (left).