A Leek school has won recognition for its work in promoting greener travel and combatting air pollution.

Working with Staffordshire County Council's Active Travel Team, St Edwards CofE Academy in Leek has both won the Regional School Travel Awards. The award is given to schools who have demonstrated excellence in supporting sustainable travel.

The school has been involved with the Staffordshire County Council's Air Aware Project to raise awareness of air pollution and to encourage less polluting and more sustainable journeys.

At St. Edwards Middle School, they have introduced more cycle and scooter storage and engaged with parents and pupils to raise awareness of air pollution and encourage sustainable travel on the journey to and from school.

James Simm, Deputy Headteacher at St Edwards Middle School said: "This is fantastic news and something we did not expect to achieve so quickly. We have been working with the Air Quality team at Staffordshire County Council to encourage parents and pupils to travel in a more sustainable and less polluting way. It is something we are excited to be part of and will keep working to ensure that the air around our school is cleaner for our pupils and the school community".

David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council added: "Air pollution is an issue that affects everyone, but as we can see from the amazing work done by the pupils at the schools, it's something we can all help to reduce. Winning the awards is great news and the pupils should be very proud of their achievements.

"Most air pollution comes from vehicles on our most congested main roads and outside schools, which is why we are focusing on working with schools in the worst affected areas to raise awareness amongst parents and help them choose a more sustainable and less polluting mode of transport."

The county council is already committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By thinking differently about how people live their everyday lives (how we travel, heat our homes, how wework, what we buyand how wedisposeof our waste), the council believes that we can all make a difference.

The Air Aware project is working with schools and businesses in Leek, Burton and Cannock to raise awareness of air pollution and to encourage sustainable and active alternatives to the car. Businesses and schools in those areas are being encouraged to sign up to the campaign.