AN innovative children's road safety project has launched a web-based version of a key service, thanks to a donation from The Co-operative Group.

The KM walk to school project teaches children using the Walking Bus road safety skills and offers simple to take exams at bronze, silver and gold level, which are available to take three times per year. Examiners use colourful flashcards for the tests, which feature a cartoon road safety character called Jack. Children passing the test receive a certificate and a colourful textile badge similar to those issued by the Scouts or Guides.

Now, following a donation of £3,500 from The Co-operative Group, a web version of the tests has been created by Whitstable-based Creative Venom allowing Walking Bus children to take a mock exam online in advance of the formal test. It will also allow children not involved with the Walking Bus to test their road safety knowledge online, something the charity hopes will encourage more families to hop on board the walk to school scheme.

Simon Dolby, chairman of the KM-supported charity, said: "The Co-operative Group has been a brilliant supporter of our road safety work in the last three years. This latest donation has created an online version of our bronze, silver and gold tests in a new section of the charity's website."

Brian Constable, chairman of the Co-op's east Kent panel, said: "We are very pleased to continue our sponsorship of the Walking Bus Project as its fits in so well with the principles and values of the Co-op. I am delighted at the progress of the charity and the development of its services."

"I would like to see this charity's work on a national platform so children in every corner of the country can benefit. Creating an online version of the road safety skill tests is a step in this direction as any child in Britain can be involved using a computer at home or school."

As well as the Kent Messenger Group the Walking Bus Project, which is a KCC and Medway Council-led initiative, is sponsored by Denne, Ringway, Veolia Environmental Services, AXA PPP healthcare, Brakes Group and Pfizer.

Creative Venom created the artwork for the flashcards used by the charity in schools and also have built and support the charity's website. The firm is developing a number of exciting features for the walk to school website including a pedometer challenge and various time saving management tools.

For more information on walk to school services or to take the test go to www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk