Arts and crafts hero Mister Maker delighted pupils at Langdon Primary School with a colourful tale after they won a countywide competition.

The popular children’s television presenter brought laughter and smiles when he read The Day The Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, to the whole school.

The visit was Mondrian class’s prize for taking the top spot in a double challenge open to schools across Kent and Medway. Pupils were tasked with notching up the biggest or most improved number of green journeys on the competition date of Wednesday, February 7. On the same day, pupils were encouraged to meet or exceed their home reading targets.

The contest was run by the KM Charity Team for schools taking part in its walk to school programmes Active Wow and Green Footsteps, and reading reward scheme Buster’s Book Club.

Lynn Paylor Sutton, head teacher of the school in Westside, East Langdon, said: “Competition works well in our school and children rise to the challenge.”

CBeebies star Phil Gallagher, who presents Mister Maker, said: “I’ve had a fantastic time reading to the children. Magnificent Mondrian class won our competition due to their incredible work with walk to school and of course Buster’s Book Club.

“If you love reading and walking to school, why don’t you get involved with the brilliant work of the KM Charity Team?”

Active Wow encourages families to walk to school with classes competing each week to be awarded the Green Class of the Week Trophy. A monthly inter-school green travel challenge awards winning classes tickets to leisure attractions or visits by storytellers.

The scheme is supported by Whites Transport, Ashford International Hotel, Orbit, Volker Highways, Countrystyle Recycling, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Specsavers, Eurostar, Kent County Council, Medway Council, London Borough of Bexley, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Maidstone Borough Council, Ashford Borough Council and Whitefriars.

Schools can sign up for green travel by contacting Sarah Clyne on 0844 264 0291 or sclyne@thekmgroup.co.uk or by visiting www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk

Find out about Buster’s Book Club at www.bustersbookclub.co.uk