It was party time for 10 schools at the walking bus birthday celebrations hosted by the KM Charity Team.

Whether they were just starting out or marking a 16 anniversary year each walking bus team received a special certificate to display at their school. Representatives from Specsavers, Bel UK, Medway Council and Kent County Council presented the accolades during the annual KM Charity Team Forum in front of hundreds of delegates from schools and charities across the county.

Walking buses, which are part of the KM Walk to School initiative run by the KM Charity Team, involve pupils being supervised by approved school staff and parents as they walk along a set route in ‘crocodile’ formation. The initiative offers incentives for the children including sticker cards and end of term goodies.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “Pupils love walking buses and while they’re having fun with friends they’re learning about road safety and getting regular exercise. It’s a pleasure to recognise schools providing this service and celebrate their ongoing success.”

The forum was hosted by Kent Scouts HQ at Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone and featured presentations and workshops for school staff, governors, PTAs and good causes. Guest speakers included MHA MacIntyre Hudson, Canterbury Tales, Jelf Insurance and Funding for All.

To view photographs of the event, click here.

KM Walk to School is a Kent County Council and Medway Council led initiative supported by organisations including Ashford Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Circle Housing Russet, Whitefriars shopping area, Safer Kent, Bexley Council, Eurostar, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

For details on green travel schemes including walking buses, Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug and Green Footsteps, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.

Schools awarded Walking Bus birthday certificates

Medway: St Andrews School, Rochester (14 years); Bligh Federation, Strood (brand new walking bus); Walderslade Primary School (three, seven and 10 years). Maidstone: Loose Primary School (three years) and St Francis’ Catholic Primary School (four years). Canterbury: Canterbury Primary School (one year) and Blean Primary School (10 years). Thanet: Minster CE Primary School (16 years). West Kent: Hawkhurst CE Primary School, Tunbridge Wells (11 years) and St Peter and St Paul CE Primary School, Leybourne, West Malling (11 years).