A head teacher has taken on his own walk to school challenge to promote the benefits of green travel and raise funds for his school’s new build works.

Mr Alan Duffy of Sevenoaks Primary School completed a 55-mile sponsored walk to support the school’s plans for bigger premises while raising awareness of the KM Walk to School campaign.

Joined by colleague Mr Newman for the challenge Mr Duffy’s route took in 18 schools in the area - each of which gave the walkers a heroes’ welcome on arrival.

Mr Duffy said: “I loved every moment of the challenge. What came as a lovely surprise was the reception we received from each of the schools we visited along the way.

“The children came out to greet us in numbers and treated us as celebrities. It was truly uplifting and provided a welcome boost as our energy levels began to flag.”

He added: “Obviously the best reception was from the children at Sevenoaks Primary School and we were genuinely moved by their welcome.”

Mr Duffy was also accompanied during different stages of the walk by a band of supporters including members of staff, school governors and parents. A number of pupils took part in the last leg from Otford to complete the voyage to a triumphant return to Sevenoaks Primary.

The challenge succeeded in raising more than £10,000 (match funded) for the school. To contribute, visit www.justgiving.com/duffy-challenge.

KM Walk to School is a Kent County Council and Medway Council led initiative supported by organisations including Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Westwood Cross, Southern Water, Countrystyle, Eurostar, Specsavers, Whitefriars shopping area, Leeds Castle, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

Kent schools participating in KM Walk to School are invited to take part in challenge days staged each term for the chance to win top prizes.

For information on KM Walk to School green travel schemes for schools including Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.