The obesity time-bomb gripping the county could be eased if more schools joined the KM Walk to School campaign, a leading children's charity has claimed.

The latest figures for Medway, which state that 10 per cent of children are obese by the time they start primary school and 20 per cent are obese by the time they reach year six, could be reduced if head teachers supported the award-winning green travel initiative.

Chief Executive of the KM Charity Team, Simon Dolby, said the humble walk to school was a golden opportunity for children to take vital daily exercise.

Mr Dolby said: "KM Walk to School initiatives have a proven track record in switching families from the school-run to walking, cycling or using scooters. But to make these schemes a success requires schools to be in the driving seat. Now is the time for schools to sign up to the KM Walk to School Campaign. KM Charity Team will be supporting participating schools every step of the way."

KM Walk to School initiatives include parent-led walking buses where adults collaborate to escort a column of children to school, and school-led Walk on Wednesday and Active Bug initiatives.

Mr Dolby said that in response to the latest obesity figures he had posted information on the KM's walk to school schemes to every primary school head teacher, chairman of governors and PTA chairman in Medway.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or click on these links: Walk on Wednesday or Active Bug.

KM Walk to School is supported by Medway Council, Kent County Council, Specsavers, Countrystyle Recycling, Mini Babybel, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Southern Water, P&O Ferries, Eurostar, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Chaucer Foundation, IMP, Leeds Castle, Golding Homes and Orbit housing association.

Fact-file

• Schools can use their Primary School Sport Premium to fund the modest costs involved with joining the KM Walk to School Campaign.
• The green travel charity has won four national Green Apple Environment Awards for its initiatives, all of which link to Ofsted self-evaluation evidence.
• Participating schools have the chance to win regular challenge events earning classes that are top for green travel prizes including free tickets to Leeds Castle.
• The KM Charity Team - the charity department at the KM Group - is a registered charity delivering a number of services in schools and supporting the charitable sector with its fundraising.