AN innovative children’s road safety project is to launch a web-based version of a key service, thanks to a donation from the Co-op.

The KM Walking Bus Project teaches children on the ‘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-op, a web version of the tests are to be created 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 charity, said: “The Co-op has been a brilliant supporter of our road safety work in the last two years. This latest donation will create an online version of our bronze, silver and gold tests in a new section of the charity’s website and should be operational in advance of our May test dates.”

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.”

Alan Harvey, chairman of the Co-op’s west Kent panel, added: “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-led initiative, is sponsored by Denne, Ringway, Cleanaway, AXA PPP healthcare, Pfizer, the majority of Kent’s district councils and Action with Rural Communities.

For more information on the Walking Bus Project view www.kentwalkingbus.org