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| Sarah Kirk, centre, from the Rare Breeds Centre with guests at the WOW and Walking Bug information session |
The benefits of walking to school were highlighted at a special information session at the Rare Breeds Centre.
Representatives from primary schools in the Ashford district were invited to learn about the KM-backed Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Walking Bug initiatives.
Project officer Karen Brinkman explained how 150,000 school run car journeys were taken off Kent's roads in the last academic year as a result of the two schemes.
She told guests how WOW and the Walking Bug were easy for schools to run and great fun for pupils as well as being good for their health.
Mrs Brinkman said: "I am really pleased with the number of people attending and with their enthusiasm for the schemes.
“It was a relaxed, informal environment where people were able to get all the information they needed as well as enjoy a cup of coffee and chat.
“I am very grateful to the Rare Breeds Centre for providing us with such a fantastic venue."
Other sessions are being held around the county at the Hilton Dartford Bridge Hotel, the Abode Hotel in Canterbury, the Hilton Maidstone, Arethusa Venture Centre, Hythe Imperial Hotel and St Augustine's in Westgate.
WOW encourages pupils to walk to school on Wednesdays, while Walking Bug gives them incentives for walking in throughout the week including exciting class-based activities.
Schools have until the end of the summer term to join WOW or Walking Bug for next year.
The schemes are operated in partnership with Kent County Council and are sponsored by Bel UK (Mini Babybel) Volker Highways, Eurostar, Ringway, Leeds Castle and the Powell Cotton Museum Quex House and Gardens.
For more information on making the walk to school cool phone 0844 2640292.