SEVERAL schools across West Devon have received awards for their school travel plans by Devon County Council's Travelwise team.

The schools are among 86 in Devon to be given Devon Schools Travelwise awards.

Bronze Travelwise awards were presented to Lew Trenchard Primary School, Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School, and Shebbear College, and silver awards were given to Boasley Cross Primary School, Okehampton Primary School, and Okehampton College.

Devon County Council supports schools across Devon to plan, write, update and implement their school travel plans every year.

Almost all of Devon's local authority maintained schools have travel plans.

Staff, pupils and parents have made great efforts to improve their local environment and promote green travel by increasing walking, cycling and car sharing.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said: 'All of these schools have shown a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

'Across the county, thousands of schoolchildren are now walking and cycling to school and car use has fallen at these award winning schools by as much as 15 per cent.

'All of this positive work has provided benefits of daily exercise, improved safety and reduced congestion and pollution outside the school gates.'

In more rural schools, car sharing has seen increases of between 7.5% and 23%, as parents aim to save money and make a difference to their local environment.