Two lucky primary schools welcomed a very special guest this week who provided their very own “once upon a time”.

Priory Infant School, Ramsgate and East Wickham Primary School, Bexley opened their doors to Rapunzel of Princess World UK who delivered a story time session as a reward for their efforts with KM Walk to School schemes.

Pupils at Priory enjoyed a reading of The Tiger-Skin Rug, whilst East Wickham listened to a retelling of The Gingerbread Man.

Tracey Jones, Headteacher of Priory, said: “We really support Walk on Wednesday because we are a health-conscious school and are devoted to providing our children with healthy, active lifestyles. We find the scheme gets the children motivated and enthused in the mornings so they arrive at school ready to learn.”

A similar statement who echoed by Jo Whiley, Head of School at East Wickham. “Green travel is important because it gets children alert and prepared for the day ahead. We also believe it gives our pupils great life skills such as learning how to cross roads safely and correctly, reading vital road signs, and being aware of their surroundings,” she said.

KM Walk to School offers services including Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and the newly released Super WOW!, as well as Active Bug, Green Footsteps and Walking Bus. The green travel initiatives are designed to get children excited about getting fit and healthy, as well as teaching important road safety skills, reducing congestion and helping to protect the environment from harmful emissions.

Schools which partake benefit from safer gates and lowered noise pollution, whilst children enjoy prizes and incentives such as stickers, ice skating tickets and rewards like the Rapunzel story time sessions.

More than 200,000 school run car journeys have been removed from roads in Kent, Medway and Bexley this academic year alone thanks to the implementation of the schemes.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “Our roads are busy and unsafe during peak travel times. This is one of the many reasons why we are so passionate about Walk to School, and why we are so proud of Priory Infant School and East Wickham Primary School’s hard work.”

He added: “The children were simply thrilled to see Rapunzel who delivered perfect readings of beloved stories. We are always looking for new schools to enroll in our recently released Super WOW! initiative, so please do get in contact if you wish to be a part.”

Schools which sign up to take part in Super WOW! for the 2016 – 2017 academic year before July 1 will receive a 20% discount on the class resource package.

To register your interest, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk, or contact the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291

KM Walk to School operates green travel initiatives for schools including parent-led walking buses, Walk on Wednesday (WOW) / Super WOW!, Active Bug, Green Footsteps and Walking Bus. The campaign are supported by Specsavers, Golding Homes, Eurostar, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystle Recycling, Orbit South, Mini Babybel, Kent County Council, Medway Council and Bexley Council