Pupils were out in force to support the launch of a green travel scheme with almost half of the children travelling by train.

More than 80 school children attended the Swale launch of KM Green Travel Champions, a scheme which rewards children for promoting eco-friendly activities. It is the biggest district launch turnout to date.

Nearly half of the pupils came from Queenborough Primary School. All 35 of the children demonstrated their green credentials by making the journey by train.

KM Green Travel Champions launched with a formal meeting with children from Swale schools at Swale Borough Council chambers. Other schools in attendance included Bapchild and Tonge Church of England aided Primary, Kemsley Primary Academy, Regis Manor Community, Teynham Parochial Church of England Primary and Minster in Sheppey Community Primary School. The latter showed their support by modelling Green Travel Champions T-shirts.

Cllr Mike Whiting, cabinet member for localism, said: “It was wonderful to see so many schools represented at the launch of the event today. The children were really enthused by the walk to school and road safety messages, and are looking forward to taking up the green challenge.

“Congratulations to the Kent Messenger Group who work so hard with schools across the borough to get these messages across.”

Children can become Green Travel Champions by setting a good example to others. They can do this by arranging activities with a green theme such as newsletters, poster competitions and travel surveys. They must also walk, cycle or scooter to school as often as possible.

Any pupils signed up to the scheme are also in with a chance to win a limited edition Green Travel Champion t-shirt.

Sponsors include Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Southern Water and Orbit South.

Click here to find out more about the scheme.