THE KM Walking Bus Project was among the top winners at this year's National Green Apple Environment Awards.

The charity won the National Green Champions title in the communities category.

Project chairman Simon Dolby and treasurer Gillian Reuby were presented with the award by chairman of the judging panel Michael Cooke at a ceremony held at the House of Commons.

Mr Cooke said: "The environmental endeavours of the project now expand far beyond simply escorting children safely to and from school."

This is the 11th year of the Green Apple Awards, now established as one of the biggest award schemes in the world. This year there were almost 1,000 entries for all categories.

The Walking Bus Project has had a whirlwind year expanding its services countywide and also winning The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Parent groups wanting help setting up a Walking Bus should visit the KM Walking Bus website (link below).

Sponsors of this are KCC, Medway Council and KM-led initiative include Denne, Ringway, Cleanaway, Perrys and mhs community charity.

* The Kent People's Trust, one of the founding supporters of the Walking Bus, has provided a further donation of £1,000 towards tabards to enable extra schemes to be launched.

Mike Westwell of the trust said: "The Kent People's Trust have supported Walking Bus Schemes since its beginnings and are happy to still be involved in a growing venture that is helping to keep Kent Children both healthy and safe."

* Meanwhile, children who use the Walking Bus to travel to school will be rewarded this term with a free ticket to Diggerland at Medway.

The site allows anyone from the age of five to drive a building site digger or dumper truck, some under supervision. The site has now also opened its snow park for play, ski and snowboard sessions.

Mr Dolby said: "I am delighted that Diggerland has agreed to support the growing network of Walking Buses across the county. Adding in an entrance ticket to this wonderful attraction into the end of term goody bags our charity presents to children is a great reward to them for regularly using their Walking Bus."