Tir na Nog Primary pupils '˜Ditch the Dark' to be safe and seen

For their ‘Ditch the Dark’ Day, the whole school, including the teachers, dressed up as brightly as possible which was not only a fun experience but one that reinforced the message of ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’.

For the next three years, Tir na Nog PS is part of the Active Travel programme of Sustrans which is a sustainable transport charity that encourages people to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.

School Principal and Active Travel Champion, Mr Mullan said: “Tir na Nog are delighted to be working with Sustrans. It is a fantastic initiative which encourages our pupils to walk, cycle and scoot to school. We were excited to hold our Ditch the Dark Day with pupils and staff dressing up in all their bright gear to promote road safety in the dark winter mornings and evenings.

“It will be the first of many events we will be organising throughout the year. We were delighted to present a brand new scooter to Kurtis who was voted to be the brightest dressed by his fellow pupils. The children are learning lots about being safe on the roads, and about the importance of active travel; they are excited about walking and cycling more often on their journeys to school,” said Mr Mullan who thanked the Sustrans representatives who travelled to the school to help celebrate their first event.

Beverley Gaston, the Active Travel Officer for the area, said: “Tir na Nog Primary had a brilliant Ditch the Dark day, with the pupils and staff so enthusiastic and bright! I’m excited to be working with such a keen school through the Active Travel Programme, helping families to get more active on the way to school.”