A WEE COUNTY secondary school has launched its very own travel hub which is aimed at getting more pupils to look at more active ways of getting to and from school.

After months of planning, Lornshill Academy set up their Active Travel Hub on Friday, June 14, with the help of Stirling Bike Hub and Recyke-a-Bike.

The event also saw the launch of The Lornshill Bike Academy, which could see pupils get to work on the repairs of bikes meaning they have practical experience under their belts, too.

Jodie Hutton, the project officer at the school, told the Advertiser how shocked she was at the level of engagement from the pupils.

She said: "I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the pupils and teachers at Lornshill at the launch of the new active travel hub on Friday. The school have been so supportive of the project to date and the launch has given us a platform to work from now.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back after the summer and running the step count challenge for the school which I'm sure will be very popular as well as getting the bike academy up and running.

"I would like to thank all our partners who attended including CTSi, the Community Sports Hub and especially our funders Paths for All as well as the parents who came along to support."

The idea was announced in February by Stuart Steele, the head of design and technology at the school, and Ray Burr of Falkirk Active Travel Hub (pictured).

According to Jodie there was a real buzz around the school on the launch day as volunteers gave information at a school-branded pop-up hub on the grounds.

Jodie added: "I was impressed by the engagement and genuine enthusiasm of all the young people who were invited to the skills and maintenance sessions. This was echoed by the small group of parents who were invited to engage with the event and see their families in action.

"At interval and lunch breaks, it was evident that we have a thriving group who are interested in bike related activities.

"Some of the skills on and around the pump track area were impressive to say the least and we look forward to harnessing the clear interest in active travel related activities throughout next session at the school."

Graham McQueen, of local walking charity Paths for All, added: "It was great to see all the pupils so enthusiastic and bought into the new Active Travel Hub.

"It's a really exciting project and we hope it will make a real difference to how parents and children get to and from school as well as encouraging and supporting pupils to get more active."