Pupils who are making great strides for green travel have been crowned KM Walk to School district champions for their efforts.

Classes from each area of the county proved they walked the walk when they won a walk to school Challenge Day competition. The event threw down the gauntlet to participating schools to get as many pupils as possible to walk, cycle or scooter to school on October 22.

Class representatives attended a certificate presentation ceremony at Leeds Castle, famed for being the world's most beautiful castle, on behalf of their class to collect the prize of a free annual pass to the castle for every child.

The delighted children said they enjoyed walking to school and understood the benefits on offer.

Katie Williamson, nine, of Riverview Junior School, said: “It’s good for the environment and you get fit and healthy.”

Finley Neat, 10, of Ash, Cartwright and Kelsey CE Primary School in Dover, echoed her sentiments commenting: “It’s good to be out in the air.”

Katie’s classmate ten year-old Ewan Peen had a different take on why more families should walk to school, saying: “You don’t waste fuel.”

Simon Dolby of the KM Walk to School team congratulated all of the winning schools.

“These children are true winners. Not only are they top for green travel but they’re also investing in their health and the environment of their community,” he said.

“Encouraging families to choose green travel for the school run rather than driving aids the fight against childhood obesity and brings much needed relief to Kent roads during peak traffic times.”

As they collected their prizes the children were applauded by walk to school mascot Buster Bug and scheme supporters Kent County Council, Medway Council, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Leeds Castle.

Other key partners of the scheme are Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Southern Water, Orbit South, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Independent Music Productions and Whitefriars shopping area.

For more information on KM Walk to School schemes including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug and Green Footsteps, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291.

Leeds Castle Walk to School Challenge Winners

• Medway Champions: Class 2, Walderslade Primary School.
• Maidstone Champions: Swallows Class, Archbishop Courtenay Primary School.
• Swale Champions: Onyx Class, South Avenue Primary School.
• Sevenoaks Champions: Class 1A, Sevenoaks Primary School.
• Tunbridge Wells Champions: Beech Class, Pembury School.
• Dartford Champions: The Arc, Oakfield Community Primary School.
• Gravesham Champions: Class 5S, Riverview Junior School.
• Canterbury Champions: Class 5, St Peter’s Methodist Primary School.
• Dover Champions: Eagles Class, Ash, Cartwright and Kelsey CE Primary School.
• Ashford Champions: Class 2 Toke, Great Chart Primary School.
• Shepway Champions: Class 6G, Christ Church Academy, Folkestone.
• Thanet Champions: New Zealand Class, Dame Janet Primary Academy.
• Bexley Champions: Juniper Class, Willow Bank Primary School.