Home reading and green travel challenge winners gathered at Leeds Castle for an event celebrating their achievements.

Pupils from the schools, which had been top performers in challenges for the reading reward scheme Buster’s Book Club and green travel initiative Active Walk on Wednesday (Wow), received framed certificates – and plenty of praise – at a celebration event at the castle.

Both schemes are run by the KM Charity Team, whose chief executive ­—Simon Dolby ­— congratulated all the schools and children involved.

Mr Dolby said: “These children thoroughly deserve their day in the spotlight today. I congratulate them for the committed and enthusiastic way they have embraced Buster’s Book Club and Wow.

“The two schemes are brilliant ways of helping to improve children’s literacy and health and the local environment, and I would urge other schools to sign up for them now so they are in place for the start of the school year in September.

“They are cheap and simple to administer, and the competitive but fun aspect of the challenges really inspires the children who take part.”

Children from across Kent, Medway and Bexley attended the celebration event.

Buster’s Book Club is designed to make reading cool, and sets children home-reading targets. Green travel scheme Wow encourages families to leave the car at home for the school run and instead make the journey by walking or cycling; as of September, it will be rebranded as Super Wow.

The two schemes involve inter-class and inter-school events, and prizes include celebrity storytime sessions and free entry to visitor attractions.

As of September, Wow will be rebranded as Super Wow. To register for the 2018/19 academic year, visit www.KmCharityTeam.co.uk/Wow or email Sarah Clyne at sclyne@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291. Bookings received before July 24 will receive a 20% discount on the price.

To register for Buster’s Book Club for the 2018-19 academic year, visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk.