Lancaster schoolboy makes a splash on school run

Reuben Gittens, 11, beat the traffic by paddling down the River Lune with dad Tom.

The pair set off from their home in Halton and canoed to the slipway on New Quay Road where mum Emma was waiting with bottles of ginger beer to celebrate their adventure.

Reuben Gittens with dad Tom after taking their canoe to school.

Reuben, who usually cycles the three and a half miles to Lancaster Steiner School, said: “It was fun! I liked it when we canoed under the Greyhound Bridge and the workmen all waved at us”.

Tom said: “It was worth the early start, as we paddled the swans swam up close while herons flew overhead – all with no traffic lights!”.

At the Steiner School in Lune Road, pupils and teachers greeted the arrival of the Canadian canoe with  amazement and delight.

Quirine Pinkse, 11, said: “It was amazing seeing the two of them arrive because no one else comes to school like that and it looked like a lot of fun!”

And Reuben already has a plan for his next school run adventure. “Maybe I’ll go on my skateboard?” he said.