Excited youngsters were full of Christmas cheer when they enjoyed an early visit with Santa Claus for winning a green travel contest.

Class 3 of St Peter's Methodist Primary School took the top spot for a festive walk to school competition open only to schools in the Canterbury district. They had the highest number of pupils walking, cycling and riding their scooters to school on the challenge date of Wednesday, November 25.

The prize up for grabs was a trip to Santa’s Grotto at Whitefriars, Canterbury where the youngsters each had the chance to meet the jolly man himself and receive a Christmas present. The class cemented their impressive green credentials by making the journey to the grotto by foot.

Suzanne Thornton of Whitefriars said: “We are so pleased to be able to support the KM Walk to School campaign in Kent and we’re absolutely delighted that St Peter’s school have won the Santa’s challenge.”

KM Walk to School is a Kent County Council and Medway Council led initiative supported by organisations including Ashford Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Circle Housing Russet, Whitefriars shopping area, Safer Kent, Bexley Council, Eurostar, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

Simon Dolby from KM Walk to School said: “I’d like to thank Whitefriars for providing this wonderful festive treat and encouraging pupils to adopt healthy habits. Regular exercise through walking to school will stand the children in good stead for the future and improve the city’s traffic flow and air quality.”

To join the green travel campaign, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.

• Santa’s Grotto is located in the centre of Whitefriars Square, Canterbury, CT1 2TF and open daily until December 24. A visit costs £4 per child and includes an age appropriate gift. Visit www.whitefriarschristmasmarket.com/father-christmas.