YOUNGSTERS at a York school took full advantage of the road outside being closed to traffic for a day.

As previously reported in The Press, St Barnabas CE School in Jubilee Terrace was the first school in the region to join a national trial to close school streets to cars for one day.

It was part of the two week cycling charity Sustrans' Big Pedal challenge, the UK’s biggest cycling, walking and scooting school competition.

The charity is calling on local authorities to close school streets during the school run to cut dangerous emissions

Jubilee Terrace was closed to cars from 12.30pm - 4pm on Monday.

The event is organised by Sustrans, Playing Out and City of York Council during the UK-wide Big Pedal, from March 25 – April 5, when thousands of children compete to walk, scoot or cycle their school journeys.

CLICK HERE FOR GALLERY OF 52 OLD PHOTOS OF ST BARNABAS CE SCHOOL

The school joined 40 schools across England, Wales and Scotland, who are closing their streets to motor vehicles for one day to improve air quality and safety outside the school gates.

Head teacher, Karen Boardman, said: “We wanted to highlight the importance of safety around the school.

"There is very little room to manoeuvre as residents’ cars are also parked by the side of the road. Residents often complain about cars parked outside their gates. We also have a few children with asthma, which we know is triggered by air pollution. The more we can reduce traffic, the cleaner the air.

"At the beginning and end of the school day around ten cars drive into the cul-de sac at once. As there is little room cars park on the pavements and on corners, making the area unsafe for pedestrians and people on bikes, as footpaths are blocked. Pedestrians have to walk in the road where cars are trying to move in a tight space."

Rosslyn Colderley, Director of Sustrans in the North of England said: “We’re delighted St Barnabas joined in the event as it was a great chance to experience the street as a place for people, not cars, and to try alternative ways of travel.

“We’re grateful that City of York Council has supported us to carry out this street closure to reduce air pollution and create a safer environment for families.”