SCHOOLS across Redcar and Cleveland have been awarded a total of £77,000 for organising environmentally-friendly ways to travel to school.

Mayor Peter Spence presented cheques varying from £4,000 to £11,000 to the three secondary and 11 primary schools.

Eric Empson, the council's cabinet member for strategic planning, development and infrastructure, said: "This is the second year of the awards and we've now got 26 schools with travel plans, promoting journeys on sustainable transport to schools.

"We have all been very impressed by the enthusiastic response we have had from everyone involved, and long may it continue."

Janet Easley, the council's cycling and travel plan officer, added: "Every school has really enjoyed the process."

The successful schools are Bydales, Gillbrook, Nunthorpe, St Mary's RC, St Joseph's RC, Lockwoood, Ings Farm, Badger Hill, Cromwell Road, Beech Grove, Lakes, Normanby, Belmont and Coatham.