TWO schools have been given the thumbs up to build running tracks in a bid to help encourage pupils to be more active.

Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic School in Ulverston Road, Dalton, and St Mary’s R C School in Springfield Road, Ulverston, both submitted proposals earlier this year to build an all-weather running track on the schools’ grounds.

Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council have now given the proposals a green light.

The schools, which are both part of one federation, are hoping to build the tracks within the next few months.

Liz Crellin, headteacher of Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic School, hopes the running track, which would be about 100 metres, would encourage pupils to take up more exercise – especially after a year in lockdown. Construction work for the 100m track is scheduled to take place in the coming months.