Britain’s first scooter park for children has been created at a Morden primary school.

The park, at Poplar Primary School in Poplar Road South, includes more than 200 metres of pathways where children can scoot safely. 

The track was officially launched on Thursday, March 30, when the school's 640 pupils took part in a sponsored duathlon. 

The school is now launching a crowdfunding campaign in hope of raising £20,000 to add a race track, timber shelter and street furniture to the existing pathways.

The campaign has gained celebrity backing with triathlon stars the Brownlee brothers pledging £1,000.

Jonny Brownlee said: “We think it is brilliant what [the school] are doing. It’s just what we want to encourage – getting kids active and outside.”

Headteacher at Poplar Primary School, Katharine Davies, said: “We noticed that lots of young children came to school on their scooters. That led to the idea of the scooter park.

“The design includes undulating pathways to give interest plus a race track. There will also be a small 'village' area with pretend garage and shops for role play and imaginary play activities.

“We also wish to create a more attractive area with plans to plant bluebells, snowdrops and spring bulbs, to enhance the natural habitat.

“The children who have tried it so far have loved it. It demands quite a lot of energy to keep scooting and it all goes to support an active and healthy lifestyle. We’re even going to get them a chequered flag for their races which the older children can supervise.

“On paths in parks you get dog walkers and cyclists but here the children can just scoot. As well as keeping fit it will help us to promote scooter safety and road awareness, such as when to stop at a junction.

“We have not been able to find another park of this nature in the UK - it is quite unique and we imagine that it will be very popular.”

The park will be used by the school between 10am and 3pm but will be open to the community at other times, including weekends and during school holidays.

The scooter park has so far cost £60,000, with the school raising £30,000 and £30,000 being donated by SUEZ Communities Trust, which supports community and environmental improvement projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Merton’s Cabinet member for education, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, applauded the park’s creation.

She said: “Using the scooter park will be an excellent way for children to stay healthy and will help with their learning skills. Exercise keeps children alert, better at problem solving and ready to learn.”

If you would like to donate to the campaign, click here.