A GENEROUS cash boost from a Greenock car showroom is helping a local primary school drive a health and wellbeing project forward.

The team at Arnold Clark Volkswagen in Greenock have donated £600 to King's Oak Primary to support staff and pupils in a walking challenge.

The money is being used to buy pedometers for the school and from March onwards, staff and pupils will be encouraged to shift their exercise regime up a gear.

Every pupil will receive one of the measuring devices - and will be asked to set their own target for the number of steps they can carry out daily, weekly and monthly.

Staff will be joining in with the fitness activity and the school will also support families who want to take on the challenge at home.

Family support worker Caroline McCahill and principal teacher Craig Thomson are leading the project.

Caroline says the kind donation from Arnold Clark has ensured every pupil can get involved.

She added: "This is a whole school project and we want to start everyone off on a level playing field.

"Not everyone has access to equipment or apps that can measure how many steps they cover in a day.

"Being able to buy the pedometers and give them out to pupils means that everyone can take part.

"We want to show pupils that exercising is free, and that it motivates you and builds up confidence.

"The donation has helped us cover the cost of the majority of the pedometers.

"We really can't thank Arnold Clark enough - it's greatly appreciated."

The walking challenge is part of a wider programme of activities that pupils, staff and parents will get the chance to take part in this year.

For the second task, members of the school community will be encouraged to 'get fit for 50' by walking 50 miles over the month of August.

Members of staff who are feeling really confident in their stride can also sign up to walk the West Highland Way over five days.

Arnold Clark Volkswagen general manager Paul McCafferty says the team at the showroom are proud to be able to support the school in their steps.

He said: "The school approached us to see if there was anything we could help with in their health and wellbeing project.

"We always try to help the community as much as we can.

"Exercise is so important, especially in the current climate, and it helps improve our physical and mental health.

"We're very happy to help and we're definitely up for joining the school in some of the challenges."