An Enfield special school has won awards for encouraging cycling for the second year in a row.

Russet House School in Autumn Close, Enfield, has won both regional and national prizes in the Big Pedal Challenge, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scootering contest.

The challenge asks pupils, staff and parents to travel to school on two wheels, and each day schools compete to see who can record the largest number taking part.

Russet House, which caters for young people with autism, came out on top despite having only 112 pupils, against mainstream primary schools with over half a million pupils participating overall.

Head teacher Julie Foster said: “We are very proud of our children, staff and parents for supporting this event. It has helped inspire many parents to try cycling with their children.”

Council cabinet member for environment Cllr Daniel Anderson said: “I offer hearty congratulations to Russet House Special School. Many youngsters love to ride bikes and scooters, and they do it because it’s fun.

“The Big Pedal shows children that cycling to school is not only enjoyable, but that it can also help you to stay healthy. It has also shown parents how they can enjoy cycling with their children in safe areas, plus it is beneficial on all sorts of other levels, for example increasing social interaction and improving balance and confidence.”