School children have attended the South Kent launch of a green travel drive to protect the environment and the health of the next generation.

Pupils took over Shepway District Council chambers in Folkestone for the launch of KM Green Champions and quizzed a panel on how walk to school schemes can help to cut traffic fumes and noise as well as the risk of child obesity.

The schools in attendance were Lyminge Primary, Saltwood Church of England Primary, Churchill and Sandwich Junior. The youngsters grilled a panel of experts on issues including traffic congestion and air quality in the area.

Cabinet member for communities Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee said: “I was delighted to chair the Green Champions launch and I was amazed by the interest shown by all the pupils. Like ducks to water, they used the microphones to ask questions, give information and suggest solutions.

“They all seemed excited by the experience and were keen to get involved in the activities with their schools and to champion the green cause.”

She added: “I very much support the KM Charity Team in their task of getting our young people to champion green issues and hope that all schools in Shepway will participate in this scheme.”

Green Champions, which is part of the KM Walk to School initiative, puts youngsters in the driving seat to promote green travel. They take part in fun activities such as poster competitions to encourage families to ditch the car for more active means of getting to school. They also lead by example by walking or cycling to school as often as they can.

Groups of pupils that come up with the best Green Champion ideas can earn limited edition t-shirts.

The campaign is supported by Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Eurostar, Chaucer Foundation, Southern Water, Orbit South, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions and Whitefriars shopping area.

Schools wanting to find out more about Green Champions or to register for KM Walk to School schemes including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug or Green Footsteps should visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291.