Pupils from Oaklands Secondary School in York are to reach for the sky with a 15 mile cycle dash to promote cycling to school.

On Monday (July 15), the students are setting out from their school in Acomb and sprinting 15 miles - or over 8,442 metres, the height of Mount Everest. For, as well as promoting greener travel to school, the cycle ride - along the York to Selby cycle path - is also being staged as part of the Oaklands Everest Challenge to raise the £50,000 required for the school's sports college bid.

The cycling event follows two terms of work creating a school travel plan led by Gavin Cowley, the school's deputy head teacher.

The plan aims to increase the number of its students and staff journeying to school by bike, on foot and by public transport as well as improving the health and safety of all its staff and students.

The school run is a major contributor to traffic congestion and related pollution.

Mr Cowley said, "The increase in cycling to school has been very encouraging following the school's involvement in a travel plan and the improvements made to our cycle parking area which were funded by City of York Council."

Caroline Emmerson, the council's school travel plan coordinator, said "It's great to finish the term on a high note following the completion of the school's travel plan.

"I would like to thank the Oaklands school council for their efforts in promoting this event within the school."

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said, "I think it's a wonderful idea to build on the school's success in creating a green travel plan to link it with and go out and raise money for the Everest Challenge. Clearly, the whole school is pulling together in this initiative and I wish them well." Anyone seeking information on further fundraising events should contact Gavin Cowley on 01904 782727.

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