Primary schools across Kent and Medway are invited to join in the 10 anniversary celebrations of the county’s walk to school charity.

This term schools are asked to sign up to use either the Walk on Wednesday (WOW) or Active Bug initiatives next academic year.

Currently WOW and Bug are used each week by 40,000 children and families at more than 100 primary schools in the county. Participating classes take part in regular inter-class and inter-school green travel challenges with the top or most improved classes awarded tickets to Leeds Castle and Silver Blades Ice Rink.

Staff at Specsavers have staged an event to launch the recruitment drive to sign up local primary schools. The company has announced it is to extend its support of the walk to school charity for next academic year. The decision means schools can again sign up at a reduced rate.

Simon Dolby from the KM Walk to School Team said: “Rising childhood obesity levels combined with increasing traffic congestion and air pollution have made the humble walk to school a vital part of government and school health and wellbeing strategy.”

Matthew Trusty, regional chairman of Specsavers, said: “The relationship between our stores, staff and the KM Walk to School initiative is excellent and benefits schools and families in our community.

“We are delighted to support the project for another year and hope many more local primary schools will sign up to take part in what we know will be an exciting 10anniversary year for the charity.”

To sign up for either WOW or Active Bug school staff should visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or complete the enquiry form HERE to receive the information brochure and application form. The price to sign up is reduced for schools before July 1.

Fact-file

• More than 200,000 school car journeys will be removed from Kent roads this academic year.
• Ofsted self-evaluation evidence is provided to schools using KM Walk to School Services.
• Children’s road safety skill tests are provided free to schools supporting the walk to school.