A SOUTHAMPTON school has struck gold after achieving a big reduction in the number of pupils arriving by car.

Fairisle Junior School has received a gold award from a national scheme which salutes schools that have excelled in promoting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable transport.

Staff and pupils at the school in Fairisle Road, Lordshill, have also been presented with a golden smile rose in recognition of their success.

The gold award is the highest accolade awarded by Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition Scheme) and is presented to schools that have achieved a significant reduction in car usage.

A Southampton City Council spokesman said: "Fairisle Junior is one of only four schools in the Southampton area to have reached this exceptional milestone.

"They've achieved this by working closely with My Journey, the council's sustainable travel brand, which is funded by the government to promote sustainable travel and encourage walking and cycling for local journeys such as the school run.

"The school has taken many steps to promote sustainable such as encouraging families to park and stride and installing a bike shed and scooter pod.

"They've hosted bike skills sessions to improve pupils’ confidence and have also taken part in the Sustrans Big Shift challenge to increase levels of walking, cycling and scooting.

Head teacher Peter Howard said: "We are proud of our achievements and hope to make further improvements in the future.”

The school’s head girl, Mia Gaete, was joined by her deputies to plant a Golden Smile Rose outside the entrance to the school to remind pupils of their fantastic achievement.

The presentation was followed by an assembly in which Mr Howard, and assistant head teacher and school travel champion Holly Cleveley were presented with a certificate and the all-important Gold Star to complete their Modeshift STARS plaque.

City council leader Christopher Hammond said: "This is a huge accomplishment and I’m really proud of what Fairisle have achieved.

"The pupils here have demonstrated an excellent awareness of the issues around air pollution and have endeavoured to tackle these by encouraging families to walk, cycle and scoot.

"They have seen some massive changes as a result and their gold award is testament to all of their hard work."