WALKING to school is so cool and now the KM Walking Bus has the backing of motorsport ace Robbie Kerr to add extra power to the scheme's winning formula.

The British driver who is used to taking the lead on the track is giving a boost to pupils who stay on course with the Walking Bus by backing a super competition.

To promote the walk to school MotorSport Vision at Brands Hatch is offering the chance for children at Kent and Medway primary schools to design a helmet which will be worn by A1 Team GBR pit crew, with the winners and their family being treated to a VIP day at Brands Hatch in May.

Any primary school pupil may enter and there are three top prizes on offer for the best helmet artists. The prizes include race tickets for the grandstand, the chance to meet the Team GBR drivers and pit crew on race day, a grid walk and full hospitality services.

And the winner of the competition will be able to take home their own special trophy, as they will get to keep the helmet they've designed to show off to all their friends.

Champion Robbie believes the Walking Bus can teach pupils valuable lessons about road safety as well being great for their health, giving them a flying start in life.

He said: "On behalf of A1 Team Great Britain, I'm delighted to show support for the Kent Walking Bus. It's an innovative scheme that not only promotes important road safety skills and exercise, but also offers an environmentally friendly alternative to the school run.

He added: "I'm looking forward to returning to Kent in early May for the 2007-08 A1GP season finale at Brands Hatch where I will continue to raise awareness of the benefits of this fantastic scheme within the county. But more importantly, I hope other counties follow in Kent's footsteps and we see a nationwide Walking Bus scheme in the future."

The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport will be at Brands Hatch on the 2/3/4 May for the finale of the season. A1 Team GBRs Robbie Kerr won there last year and he'll be aiming for another home victory.

Race day admission cost £29 online, £35 on the gate, with weekend admission online at £39. Grandstand seating is available from £12 and children 12 years and under are admitted free. For more information visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0870 950 9000.

For more information on the Walking Bus view www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call 01227 825383.

As well as the Kent Messenger Media Group, the Walking Bus is sponsored by Denne, Ringway, Veolia Environment Services, Eurostar, AXA PPP healthcare, Co-op and Brake group.

Here is how to enter design contest

FOR your chance to step into the hot seat at Brands Hatch you need to download the simple design entry form of an A1 Team GBR helmet and get drawing. Download this at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk

Entries must be received by April 25 and will be judged by MotorSport Vision. Send them to: A1GP Helmet Design Competition, MotorSport Vision Ltd, Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG.