Young green super heroes have triumphed in a walk to school challenge to help protect the planet.

Schools taking part in green travel schemes including Super Walk on Wednesday (Super WOW) have met their target to remove 200,000 car journeys from the road this academic year.

The challenge was set by the KM Charity Team as part of its work with schools to reduce traffic congestion and pollution and promote an active healthy lifestyle.

Teachers and pupils leading the way for eco friendly travel were invited to a presentation staged at Leeds Castle to receive recognition for their efforts. Classes received free child entry tickets to the castle as prizes plus framed certificates.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “To reach the 200,000 mark at this stage is extraordinary. Well done to all the pupils, teachers, and families who are getting active and improving safety at the school gate, on the road, and in the very air we breathe.”

At the same event youngsters signed up to Buster’s Book Club celebrated passing the three million minutes of reading milestone, an all-time high for the scheme.

The top class from each district of the county was singled out for praise for their dedication to home reading. They were rewarded with Leeds Castle tickets and framed certificates.

Currently 60,000 children across the county are using Super WOW, Green Footsteps or Buster’s Book Club.

The green travel and literacy projects are supported by Kent County Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Bexley Council, Three R’s teacher recruitment, Specsavers, Eurostar, Bel UK, Volker Highways, Countrystyle Recycling, Golding Vision, Kent Libraries, Kent Reliance, Orbit South, Gallaghers Aggregates and Whitefriars.

Schools can find out more at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk