WATCHING the network of KM Walking Buses grow across Kent inspired parents and staff at Aldington Primary School to hop on board and join the walk to school scheme.

Walking Bus co-ordinator and Teaching Assistant Emma McQuillan said that the benefits to the children's health and road safety knowledge were the reasons why she decided to volunteer to start up Aldington Primary's Walking Bus.

Melanie Bartlett, from Walking Bus project sponsor Brakes attended the launch.

Mrs Bartlett explained that Brakes had been keen to promote their local links into the community through such a worthwhile project as the Walking Bus.

"Brakes are an integral part of the local communities in which we work and serve, and supporting initiatives like the Walking Bus Project helps us to demonstrate our continued commitment to our corporate social responsibility policy."

Mrs McQuillan said that a Walking Bus has always been a part of the school's development plan. Six months ago the wheels were set in motion to launch a bus and after the route was risk assessed and police checks of volunteers were finalised the Walking Bus was given the green light.

At the end of the summer term the Walking Bus began its first journeys and now Mrs McQuillan is confident that the route will expand and gather more interest as the academic year begins.

The launch was also attended by Judith Bilboe from Ringway and Carol Sullivan, KCC Travel Planner.

As well as the Kent Messenger Group, the Walking Bus, which is a KCC-led initiative, is sponsored by Denne, Ringway, Veolia, Eurostar, Jade Appeal, Co-op and AXA PPP healthcare. For information on Walking Buses contact Karen Brinkman on 07970 979004 or view www.kentwalkingbus.org or www.kentonline.co.uk/charity