Streetwise pupils in Chatham are hopping on board a new walking bus scheme and enjoying a safer journey to school.

Walderslade Primary School has launched three walking bus routes and aims to have a fourth route up and running from September.

Jane Harvey, librarian at the school and walking bus co-ordinator, said: “Pupils and parents are gaining health benefits from walking to school as well as enjoying the social activity. It has the important advantage for a school like ours on a busy road that car numbers are reduced at the entrance area. Walking buses are a healthy, fun and sociable way to achieve this with children gaining stickers and rewards too.”

She added: “Parents are really supportive and children are proud to walk in their new colourful tabards. More children are asking to join every day.”

James Sutton, principal road safety officer at Medway Council, congratulated the school and the children on making Medway a greener and safer place.

He said: "Jane Harvey has worked tirelessly to encourage new parent volunteers and children to participate, in helping to reduce congestion levels directly outside the school, promote a more active and healthy form of travel and assist the children's road safety skills on the school journey. It is evident that the children involved are reaping the benefits and long may their success continue."

The scheme is part of the KM Walk to School campaign, which has succeeded in removing more than 27,500 car journeys from Medway roads since January.

KM Walk to School is a Medway Council-led initiative supported by Mini Babybel,Countrystyle Recycling, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Specsavers,Orbit SouthandSouthern Water.

For more information visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk. If you are a head teacher and you would like to register your school for any of the KM Walk to School projects, including Walk on Wednesday, Active Bug and Green Footsteps, call Louise Rogerson on 0844 2640291 or email lrogerson@thekmgroup.co.uk.