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| Pupils from Lower Halstow School received their prizes at Leeds Castle |
Children in Sittingbourne who have embraced the health and environmental benefits of walking to school have been rewarded for their efforts.
More than 180 primary schools in Kent and Medway take part in Wow and Walking Bug schemes and on Challenge Day classes with the highest number of walkers are named winners and receive trophies and prize packages.
Pupils from Lower Halstow School were the Swale champions and were invited to Leeds Castle for a presentation event.
Children from the winning Willow Class got the chance to meet the Walking Bug and received their award along with free child tickets for the castle and The Powell Cotton Museum and Gardens in Birchington.
Five-year-old Billy Sketchley said: “Walking to school gets you fit, if you drive to school you pollute the world.”
Debbie Witherden, higher level teaching assistant, said: “Walking to school is healthier and safer as it prevents the congestion of cars. Children from outside the village come by car and park on the outskirts of the village to take part in Walk on Wednesday”.
Shane Guy, head of publicity at Leeds Castle said: “We are proud to continue our support of WOW and Walking Bug.
“Promoting healthy activities to the children is something we enjoy being associated with and we look forward to welcoming the winning schools and their families to Leeds Castle.”
Julia Smith of sponsor HSBC said: “HSBC has been proud supporters of WOW for three years and have been delighted to see how it has grown. It is lovely to see the children enjoy their walking and understanding how good it is for them and the environment.”
Paula Warrington from Bel UK said: “These schemes are an excellent way to introduce children to more activity and healthy lifestyles.
“It is also a great way of improving a reduction in CO2 by having fewer cars on the road. “
Jackie Chambers from the KM Walk to School team said: "The walk to school challenge day winners were thrilled with their prizes and class trophy.”
WOW and Walking Bug encourage children to walk to school with their family and friends.
Each child has their own tally card and collects stickers when they walk.
As well as the KM Group, WOW and Walking Bug, which are KCC- led initiatives, are sponsored by Bel UK (Mini Babybel) Volker Highways, Eurostar , HSBC and Leeds Castle. For more information on making the walk to school cool visit
www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call 0844 2640292