It’s good to be green according to Ashford school children who are supporting a scheme to get more active and help the environment.

Several schools attended the Ashford launch of KM Green Travel Champions, a scheme which rewards eco-conscious youngsters who promote the benefits of green travel.

The launch involved a formal meeting with pupils at Ashford Borough Council chambers. The schools in attendance were Willesborough Junior, Furley Park Primary, St Theresa’s Catholic Primary, St Simon of England Catholic, Charing Church of England Primary and Beaver Green Community Primary.

Cllr Michael Claughton, environmental protection deputy leader, said: "I am delighted to be involved with this brand new scheme. Our event was attended by a well informed, engaged, polite and enthusiastic group of school children from a number of our local schools.

"Their questions to the panel were considered and challenging and their ideas and suggestions for increasing the appeal of the project were interesting and innovative. They were a credit to themselves and their schools."

He added: "I thoroughly enjoyed the event and found the children’s enthusiasm inspiring. I look forward to chairing the next stage of this project at a further event planned for October this year."

Green Travel Champions are groups of children who organise activities with an eco-friendly theme. These can include green travel surveys, poster competitions and newsletters. They also practice what they preach by walking, cycling or scootering to school as often as they can.

Pupils who sign up to the scheme are in with a chance to win a special limited edition Green Travel Champion t-shirt.

By ditching the car for the school run, families cut the risk of childhood obesity and reduce traffic jams and pollution.

Sponsors include Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Ashford Borough Council, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Southern Water and Orbit South.

To find out more about the scheme visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk and search for ‘green champion’.