Children who have shown a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and keeping cars off the road have been rewarded for their efforts.

Pupils taking part in WOW and Walking Bug initiatives have been presented with their Challenge Day trophies, framed certificates and prizes. 

More than 180 primary schools in Kent and Medway belong to the schemes and on Wednesday, November 4 the classes with the highest number of children walking to school that day in each area of the county were named winners and awarded trophies and prize packages.

Leeds Castle and The Powell-Cotton Museum and Gardens donated free child entry tickets to winning pupils and The Orchard Theatre in Dartford provided tickets for a show for children in Sevenoaks, Dartford and Gravesend.

The schemes are supported by a number of sponsors who are keen to promote the health and environmental benefits.

Mike Cooper, of Bel UK said: “We are proud to support Walk on Wednesdays and the Walking Bug programmes. 

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. We would like to congratulate all of the winning schools for their achievement.”

Mark Dunleavy of Volker Highways said: “ WOW not only encourages children to involve themselves in such an easy way to get exercise but also supports the reduction of emissions by reducing car journeys in our communities.”

Julia Smith from HSBC said: “HSBC have been proud supporters of WOW for three years and has 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.”

Jackie Chambers from the KM walk to school team said: "The children really enjoying collecting the stickers for their tally cards. The challenge day winners were thrilled with their prizes and class trophy.

Both schemes encourage children to walk to school with their family and friends. Each child has their own tally card and collect stickers when they walk to school.

As well as the KM Group, WOW and Walking Bug, which are KCC and Medway Council-led initiatives are sponsored by Bel UK (Mini Babybel), HSBC, Volker Highways, Eurostar and Leeds Castle.

Schools keen to join the WOW or the Walking Bug schemes should contact the KM Charity Team’s walk to school department 0844 2640292, e-mail jchambers@thekmgroup.co.uk.

 

THE winners of the KM Green Footsteps Challenge have been named: Dartford District, Amazon class, York Road Junior School, Dartford, with 100 per cent walking; Gravesham District, Class 5J, Riverview Junior School, Gravesend, with 97 per cent walking; Medway, Eagles Class, Maundene School, Chatham, with 100 per cent children walking; Swale District, Willow Class, Lower Halstow School, Lower Halstow, with 90 per cent children walking; Canterbury District, 2L, Swalecliffe Community Primary School, Tankerton, with 100 per cent children walking; Dover District, Class 6D, Sandwich Junior School, with 100 per cent children walking; Folkestone District, Edison Class, Harcourt Primary School, Folkestone, with 95per cent children walking; Ashford District, Class 6d, Willesborough Junior School, Willesborough, with 100 per cent children walking; Tunbridge Wells District, Beech Class, St St James CE (Aided) Infant School, Tunbridge Wells, with 100 per cent children walking; Maidstone District, Class 4JS, Loose Junior School, Maidstone, with 100 per cent children walking; Tonbridge District, Class 2C, Paddock Wood Primary School, Paddock Wood, with 100 per cent children walking; Thanet District, Copper Class, Minster CE Primary School, Minster, with 100 per cent children walking; Sevenoaks District, Beech class, Churchill CEP School, with 97 per cent  children walking.