Pupils from the reception year in Pembroke Dock Community School received prizes on Monday for taking part in an 'International Balance Bike Games', organised by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans.

The prizes were presented by Clr. Sue Perkins, school governor and Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for safeguarding and children's services, and Christine Gwyther, Llanion Communities First co-ordinator.

Pupils demonstrated balance and control over their balance bikes as they completed a fun obstacle course against other pupils representing different world nations.

The balance bikes and session plans used in this event were from the balanceability programme. This is a structured self-taught course which enables children aged between four and six to be able to safely ride a pedal bike at the end of the programme.

The 'International Balance Bike Games' is just one of many activities delivered at Pembroke Dock Community School by Sustrans, enabling more parents and pupils to cycle to school.

Sue Mathias, Sustrans Bike It officer for Pembrokeshire, said: "Walking and cycling to school is a great way for our children to get the exercise they need every day to keep healthy.

"Research shows cycling also helps kids to become better students in the classroom and let's not forget it's fun, too."

Sustrans is working with 11 schools in Pembrokeshire, in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, to provide children with the skills and information necessary to allow them to take to two wheels for the journey to school on a regular basis.

Clr. Sue Perkins said: "The Sustrans schemes are an excellent way to help children improve their cycling and as they get older, learn vital road safety lessons.

"The pupils have had lots of fun today taking part in the balance bike games and gained some important skills along the way."

The Sustrans Bike It project in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. Schools joining the scheme in the 2011/12 academic year saw the percentage of pupils cycling regularly to school increase from 11 per cent to 32 per cent.