Eight schools across the county celebrated the birthdays of their walking bus schemes, which get pupils walking to school.

They were each awarded a certificate in recognition of their efforts during a presentation at the KM Charity Forum 2014.

Walking buses, which are part of the Walk to School initiative run by the KM’s charity department, involve pupils being supervised by approved school staff and parents as they walk along a set route to school.

Simon Dolby of KM Walk to School said: “Walking buses offer a safe, healthy and eco-friendly option to get to school and make great strides to tackle the problems of child obesity and traffic congestion.”

KM Walk to School is supported by Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Southern Water, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions, Whitefriars shopping area and Orbit South.

Find out more about walking buses and other schemes including Walk on Wednesday, Active Bug and Green Footsteps at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.

Schools awarded Walking Bus birthday certificates

• Medway: Thames View Primary in Rainham (six years); Walderslade Primary (nine years).
• Maidstone: St Francis Catholic Primary School (four years); St Peter and St Paul CE Primary in Yalding (10 years).
• Tunbridge Well: Benenden CE Primary (seven years); Hawkhurst Primary (11 years).
• Thanet: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Broadstairs (11 years); Minster CE Primary (16 years).

Competition for Kent schools

Pupils signed up for KM Walk to School have the chance to win a green travel challenge – and free Leeds Castle tickets!

School children across the county will walk, cycle or scooter to school on the competition date of Wednesday, October 22. The school that is top or most improved for green travel will receive an annual child ticket to Leeds Castle for every pupil.