Two young walk to school champions mingled with the stars as they helped to switch on the Christmas lights at Westwood Cross on Saturday (November 15).

Amelia Petzendorfer, seven, and James Cunningham, six, from St Mildred’s Infant School rubbed shoulders with X Factor finalist Sam Callahan, Ricky Groves of Eastenders and Strictly Come Dancing fame, and of course Santa for the festive event.

The children are in the winning class of a Walk to School competition which took place on November 5. Joss Bay Class were proclaimed top for green travel and will receive the prize of a visit to Santa’s grotto at Westwood Cross.

But bosses at the shopping area decided that two of the children due to meet Santa would also get the chance to take part in the official switch-on of its impressive lighting display.

Francesca Donovan, Centre Manager at Westwood Cross shopping centre, said: “We were delighted to invite our Walk to School competition winners Amelia and James to help us switch on the Christmas lights at Westwood Cross this year. They both did a fantastic job and were a big hit with the crowd.”

She added: “The Walk to School campaign is a fantastic way of encouraging health and fitness among young people in the county and Amelia and James are great ambassadors for their schools. We’re also looking forward to welcoming the winning class from the popular Walk on Wednesday and Active Bug schemes for a special visit to our Santa's grotto.”

Simon Dolby from KM Walk to School said: “This was such a fantastic prize. We are delighted at the continuing support of Westwood Cross and all their efforts to help the walk to school campaign.”

A visit to Santa’s Grotto costs £4 and includes a toy for each child. To find out more about the grotto’s opening times visit www.westwoodx.co.uk.

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

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