TEACHERS from Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn were all smiles after completing a gruelling cycling challenge which saw them travel 198 miles.

Nick Evans, deputy headteacher, Gareth Hywel, ASD Resource, Gareth Lloyd, early years resource space lead, and Ben Lindquist, infant teacher, took part in the school fundraiser.

The group left Llandudno on Sunday at 7am. They travelled to Newtown, Powys, arriving at 4pm and then the next day arrived in Cardiff.

To mark the challenge, the West Shore based school held a health and well-being community event.

This was open to the public. Activities included cricket, dance, golf, rich play, martial arts, pound fit class and more.

Llandudno football - both men and ladies - came to host sessions and children were given opportunities to 'bling up' their scooters by Sustrans.

Sue Roberts, headteacher, said: "We had lots of different activities during the two day event. We had three static exercise bikes and during 9am until 5pm, people cycled the equivalent of the four men.

North Wales Pioneer:

Health and wellbeing day. Picture: Kerry Roberts, KR40719a

"People were very generous with donations. We are still totalling up.

"Every class had opportunities during the two days. Sustrans did the scooter sessions and the competition to bling up the scooters. We had so many people involved such as nurses, the police, the local church and Creative Enterprise which is a fantastic organisation.

"The teachers did fantastic in their challenge. The first day was the toughest because there were a lot of hills.

"They headed off to Cardiff early on Monday morning and then Skyped the children when they got there, which the children loved.

"The community and family spirit of the school has been fantastic over the last few days."

In 2012, Estyn placed Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn into Special Measures.

In 2014, the school was judged to have made sufficient progress and was removed from the list.

In their latest inspection, this year, the school was over the moon when they achieved Good in Standards and Teaching and learning experiences and Excellent in inspection areas: Wellbeing and attitudes to learning; Care, support and guidance and Leadership and management.

North Wales Pioneer:

Taking part in football training. Picture: Kerry Roberts, KR40719a

Mrs Roberts, who was appointed in 2014, said: "I am immensely proud of the report and in particular, I feel the opening line fully reflects the ethos of our school and the fantastic work my entire staff do here every day... 'The school cares passionately about the well-being of all pupils, and the inclusive nature of the school permeates all aspects of its work'.

"I am incredibly proud of all the pupils, staff and governors for the journey the school has embarked upon over the last few years and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the parents and the local community for their continued support."

The 2019 report described behaviour as "exemplary" and praised the school for its exceptionally caring and inclusive atmosphere.

It read: "The school benefits from extremely strong leadership. The headteacher has established a clear and robust vision for the school that puts the wellbeing and inclusion of all children at the heart of all that it does."

[Pictures from health and well-being event, all Kerry Roberts]