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| Challenge Day winners from Maundene School receive their prizes at Leeds Castle |
Children in Medway 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 Maundene School were the Medway champions and were invited to Leeds Castle for a presentation event.
Children from the winning Eagles 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.
Eleven-year-old Tean Johnson said: “Walking to school means less pollution and you get fitter. It also makes you more alert and ready to work.”
Louis Parker, 10, said: “By walking to school everyday we can save the world. and Tean will try to increase the number of people walking”.
Teacher Sarah Dean, said: “The children are really enthusiastic about WOW. It has made them more alert and ready to work in the morning which helps their concentration.”
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