Hundreds of youngsters have used brain and brawn in a double challenge to find the biggest booklovers and eco-friendly pupils in the county.

School children persuaded parents to forgo a ride in the family car for more active means of getting to school on the competition date of November 4. Walking, cycling, scooting or park and stride all counted towards the total number of green travel journeys for each class.

On the same day classes were encouraged to meet or exceed their home reading targets for the chance to be named their district’s most dedicated bookworms.

The competition was organised by the KM Group’s charity department for all schools taking part in the KM Walk to School campaign and Buster’s Book Club literacy scheme.

The winners were invited to a celebration at Silver Blades ice rink, Gillingham where they were rewarded with ‘two for one’ ice skating tickets and framed certificates. They were cheered on by representatives from Medway Council, Specsavers and Ashford Borough Council.

Cllr David Royle of Medway Council said he encouraged anything to do with reading. He added that children who read will “do that much better in school because they really do need to read - that’s the basis of all progress in education.”

Young champ Frank Harbord, eight, of Loose Primary School was a keen advocate of green travel, saying: “I like walking to school because it gives you loads and loads and loads of energy!”

Organisations backing the KM Walk to School and Buster’s Book Club services for schools include Kent County Council, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Circle Housing Russet, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Whitefriars shopping area, Safer Kent, Bexley Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Orbit South and Eurostar.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “These schools are doing a wonderful job of helping pupils to get the reading bug and enjoy healthy activity, both of which provide youngsters with lifelong benefits.”

He added: “Schools can still sign up to Buster’s Book Club this week and enjoy a better than half price discount as well as free child entry tickets to Canterbury Tales.”

For more information, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or www.bustersbookclub.co.uk or call 0844 2640291.