Pupils had the best seats in the house for the Medway launch of a green travel drive to cut air pollution.

Children from six schools took over The Central Theatre in Chatham as the spotlight fell on the KM Green Champions campaign and they quizzed a panel on how walk to school schemes can help to protect the environment.

Pupils signed up to be Green Champions, which has been developed by the KM Charity Team, publicise eco-friendly travel to classmates through activities such as poster competitions and regularly walk or cycle to school.

The schools attending the launch were St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary, Rainham; St Benedict’s Catholic Primary, Chatham; Bligh Federation, Strood; Walderslade Primary and Stone St Mary’s Catholic Primary, Dartford.

James Sutton, safer journeys officer at Medway Council, said: “The children had clearly spent time thinking about their questions which included parking and congestion issues, the benefits of travelling to school by active modes, carbon emission savings, road safety education and Bikeability.

“It was a great opportunity to promote the benefits of active travel, promote discussion and encourage the Green Champion pupils to trumpet walking to school - and hopefully encourage other families to follow suit.”

All attendees at the launch were entered into a lucky draw based on their seat number to win a family ticket to the theatre’s panto Aladdin. The winner was Neo Cordingley, 10, from St Benedict’s.

The event coincided with October International Walk to School Month when schools across the UK and abroad make an extra effort to use green travel.

As well as Medway Council, supporters of KM Walk to School include Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Southern Water, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions, Whitefriars shopping area and Orbit South.

Schools can register for KM Walk to School projects including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug or Green Footsteps at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or by calling 0844 264 0291.

The Safer Journeys Team also runs the Zigzag message banner drive to ensure that drivers follow the yellow-line restrictions outside schools during peak drop-off and collection times.

Schools can contact the Safer Journeys Team at travel.safety@medway.gov.uk, www.medway.gov.uk/roadsafety or by calling 331399.

Green Travel Competition

Parents and schools can sign up for a monthly e-newsletter at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk for exclusive access to a Eurostar green travel competition. One child will win the chance to be an Ashford International team member for the day plus family travel for four on Eurostar to Paris, Brussels or Lille.