A KENDAL primary school is hoping to encourage parents to leave cars at home with its new bike and scooter parking area.

Heron Hill Primary School's new parking area can house more than 70 bikes and 100 scooters.

Head teacher Mr Hicks said: “We try to encourage healthy ways to school and lower the amount of vehicles on the local roads. We have walk to school weeks, The Big Pedal and now this new parking area will make it even easier for children to cycle or scoot each day."

The school is also encouraging parents to join their children on bikes and leave them at school ready for the return journey at the end of the day.

"Fewer cars mean fewer parking issues, less congestion and lower pollution – it’s a win win situation," Mr Hicks said. "The children can leave their bikes and scooters in the gleaming new racks, safe and secure under the watchful eyes of our CCTV."

The funds for the project include the proceeds of two sponsored walks by the whole school and a small grant from Kendal Council.