Children at West Malling Primary School put their best foot forward this week after winning the Mini Babybel Best Walking Bus award for the district.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, selected West Malling Walking Buses to receive the award because of the dedication from parents and staff to ensure the scheme’s success.

Mr Dolby said: “Walking buses are a key weapon in the fight against childhood obesity and they help to reduce traffic-related air pollution. West Malling are a shining example of a well-organised, safe and fun walking bus, and a worthy winner of the award.”

Joanne White, families and community manager at the school, said: “The pupils at West Malling School were thrilled to receive the Babybel Best Walking Bus award. Our bus has been going steady now for a number of years and the children who use the bus benefit from a relaxed, calm and enjoyable walk into school every day.”

She added: “We are always looking to increase our numbers, so would welcome any new walkers and even their parents if they would like to volunteer.”

Elizabeth Carr, from Mini Babybel, said: "Bel UK are delighted to support this wonderful initiative encouraging children to take regular exercise through walking to school."

The KM Walking Bus is a collaborative scheme designed to encourage more children to walk to school. Parents wanting to join West Malling Walking Bus should contact Joanne White at the school office.

As well as Mini Babybel the KM Walking Bus, which is a KCC-led initiative, is supported by Maidstone Borough Council, Countrystyle Recycling, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Eurostar and Golding Homes.

To find out more about walking bus, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk. Organisations wanting to find out how they can sponsor a KM Walking Bus should call Mr Dolby on 07989 164 752.