Nearly 700 pupils from Pembroke Dock Community School went cycle-mad recently for the 'Pembroke Dock Pedal'.

The event was organised by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's Go4It! project to mark Bike Week and Pembroke Dock Midsummer Festival.

The day started with a traffic-stopping ride for years five and six around the town centre, complete with marshalls and police escort. The Memorial Park was then transformed into a street layout, complete with white lines and signs, as well as a cycling skills arena, and was put to good use by younger pupils.

Go4It! is working to get more young people more active in the outdoors.

Co-ordinator Tom Moses explained: "The day aimed to show the kids, parents and community that cycling is a brilliant way to get to school.

"As well as cycling being great fun, being more active helps us lead longer, happier lives, and also having less 'school-run' cars makes the streets safer and helps our environment.

"The Pembroke Dock Pedal helped show everyone that cyclists have as much right to the roads as cars. I hope this example inspires others to get out and get active."

School headteacher Anthea Finn added: "We thoroughly enjoyed the day and since then the number of children riding to and from school has increased tremendously. I hope the event will become a regular part of the school calendar."

Tom added: "I'd love to see more events like this right across the county. It was great to have brilliant support from local organisations and businesses; it would have been impossible without Dyfed-Powys Police, Llanion Communities First, Tesco, Bierspool and Enterprise Cycles, The Shipwright Pub who ran the 'water stop', Sustrans and Pembrokeshire County Council's cycling officer and Greenways Project. We also had invaluable help from volunteers from Go4It! and the local community."

For advice on getting yourself or friends and family more active outdoors, call Tom Moses at the National Park Authority on 07773 788205.