A Tonbridge school has rewarded eco-minded youngsters choosing to hop on board its new walking bus.

Cage Green Primary School officially launched the service at a celebration assembly for all pupils. Children using the walking bus were presented with certificates and prizes including vouchers for Wildwood animal park and walk to school erasers.

The event was organised by educational charity the KM Charity Team, which provides services for schools including walking buses and Super Wow (Walk on Wednesday), and was attended by Vanessa Hayward from Countrystyle Recycling.

Currently the bus operates every Wednesday and is co-ordinated by a group of approved parent volunteers. They supervise the children who wear hi-vis tabards as they follow a set route to the school.

Walk to school project officer Karen Brinkman, of the KM Charity Team, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome a new walking bus to the streets of Tonbridge and I applaud the efforts of the children and the walking bus team.

“I’m even more delighted to reveal that Cage Green has also signed up to Super Wow and will be encouraging families to swap the car for walking, cycling, or opting to ‘park and stride’ for the school run.”

Super Wow runs weekly and monthly challenges and offers prizes to the classes with the top or most improved number of green journeys. Rewards include the Green Class of the Week Trophy, tickets to leisure attractions, and school visits by storytellers - such as CBeebies star Phil ‘Mister Maker’ Gallagher, singer Cheryl Baker, and children’s author Nick Butterworth.

Schools signed up to the walking bus scheme receive incentives each term - such as certificates and gifts - to maintain pupil interest and participation.

Organisations supporting the KM Charity Team’s green travel work with schools include Whitefriars, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Volker Highways, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Orbit, EduKit, London Array, Ashford International Hotel, Whites Transport, Specsavers, and Eurostar, as well as Bexley, Kent, Medway, Maidstone and Ashford councils.

Schools interested in starting their own walking bus should contact Karen at kbrinkman@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291.

To register for Super Wow, contact Sarah Clyne at sclyne@thekmgroup.co.uk or visit www.KmWalkToSchool.co.uk/Wow