HSBC has announced it is to spend £10,000 to encourage Kent and Medway children to catch the walking bug.

The bank is making the donation to support the KM Green Footsteps initiative, which is run in partnership with KCC and Medway Council. More than 1,200 primary school classes are involved in the charity's two walk to school schemes of Walk on Wednesday and Walking Bug this term, which work with children receiving stickers for walking to school.

While Walk on Wednesday, or WOW as it is known in schools, is a simple scheme encouraging families to walk to school a minimum of once a week, Walking Bug is more intense with class-based activities.

When Walking Bug children reach set milestones for the number of times they walk to school the class is rewarded with an exciting class-based activity based on a different landmark or attraction, provided sufficient pupils have ditched the school run and walked to school.

Walking ensures pupils gain experience of the road environment and develop their road safety skills.

The funding provided by the bank will support a range of promotional items including class resources, banners, newsletters and improvements to the walk to school charity's website.

HSBC joins the Chatham Maritime Trust and The Co-operative Group as sponsors.

Simon Dolby from the KM Green Footsteps team said: "The HSBC is already proving to be an enthusiastic supporter of this walk to school initiative. Their staff are personally committed to making this a success and are working with us on a number of big projects to launch later in the year. We are delighted they are to support Green Footsteps, in such a substantial manner."

Peter Bull from HSBC said: "'The staff at HSBC are very excited to be involved in WOW and Walking Bug and are looking forward to helping promote a healthier lifestyle for the young people of Kent".

Schools keen to find out about joining either WOW or Walking Bug need to contact Jackie Chambers at the charity's office on 01227 825383, e-mail greenfootsteps@kentwalkingbus.org or view www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk