Supporters of KM green travel schemes have joined in an official ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the start of Walk to School Month.

The awareness drive urges families to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or scooter to and from school as much as possible throughout October.

Organisations backing the KM Walk to School campaign including Golding Vision, Countrystyle Recycling, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Orbit South attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Leeds Castle.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “Green travel is making great strides in improving air quality, traffic flow and pupil health and wellbeing. It also helps families to cut travel costs and enjoy quality time together and a healthier start to the day.”

He added that Walk to School Month is the perfect way to get into healthy habits and kick start KM green travel projects such as Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug.

The schemes, which offer a range of incentives and rewards for children taking part, officially launch at the start of October.

KM Walk to School is also supported by Southern Water, Thanet District Council, Westwood Cross, Ashford Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Whitefriars shopping area, Eurostar, Specsavers and Mini Babybel.

• To find out more, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.

A masterclass in KM Walk to School

School staff and governors across Kent will receive a masterclass in KM Walk to School and much more at the free KM Charity Team Forum next week.

The annual event at Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone, on Wednesday, October 7 will also honour schools making a long term commitment to the eco-friendly travel campaign.

Briefings will include tapping into Pupil Voice to drive the green travel message, safety at the school gate, road safety awareness, and how pupils can become Green Champions. Literacy leaders will learn about the phenomenally successful reading scheme Buster's Book Club. Talks by expert guest speakers include the educational support and resources available to schools from Canterbury Tales and Dickens World.

The forum also offers a range of sessions for charities, good causes and voluntary groups on the fundraising and strategic support available including the KM Charity of the Year initiative. Talks by Jelf Insurance and MHA MacIntyre Hudson chartered accountants and business advisors will cover key current issues affecting the third sector in Kent.

• Book by clicking this link.