DELIGHTED KM Walking Bus Project supporters celebrated the charity’s countywide expansion with a champagne reception on board P&O cruise ship the Pride of Kent.

The milestone event was attended by Minister for Transport and South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, as well as key sponsors, parent helpers and friends of the Walking Bus.

A surge of interest in the walk-to-school initiative has seen record numbers of pupils sign up to the scheme.

Chairman of the KM Walking Bus Project, Simon Dolby, spoke of his pride in the achievement which has seen the project grow from a handful of schemes in Canterbury, to 63 Walking Buses operating across the whole of Kent.

He paid tribute to the project’s sponsors, who he said had made it possible.

In an address to the audience assembled in the ship’s club lounge he said: "It is great to see all our long-standing supporters here, without their help Walking Buses wouldn’t have got started in Kent and grown into the large, vibrant organisation it is today."

The Kent and Medway Walking Bus has attracted significant financial backing from many of the region’s prominent employers including the KM group, P&O ferries, Cleanaway, Denne Construction, highways maintenance group Ringway, Pfizer and MHS Homes.

Mr Dolby stressed the vital role that Walking Buses have to play in keeping children fit and reducing traffic volumes.

He said: "With 17 per cent of urban traffic in term-time down to the school run – we need to offer a way to help people get out of their cars."

This year, the charity received the Queen’s Award for Volunteering for its work.

Dr Ladyman spoke of the many benefits of Walking Buses. He said: "They help us deal with congestion and childhood obesity.

"They are of educational benefit – teachers say the pupils who use Walking Buses are the most energised in class. They are dealing with congestion, reducing greenhouse gases and improving road safety."

Commenting on the Kent and Medway scheme, Mr Ladyman spoke of how as a Kent MP he was very proud of the project.

He said: "The Walking Bus scheme we have here is really special. We don’t know of one in the Department (of Transport) that matches it in the country."

In a message to parents, Mr Ladyman urged them to consider the benefits to their children of using a Walking Bus.

He said: "The children will be healthier, they’ll learn better when they get to school, they’ll be safer if they are using a Walking Bus and they’ll be learning about road safety at the same time. It’s good for the child, good for the school and good for the environment."

Chief operating officer for P&O ferries, Helen Deeble said that the firm was pleased to be host for the cross-Channel event and to offer its support to Walking Buses.

She said: "We’re a big local employer and we also see ourselves as a very family-friendly company so we are very happy to help with the Walking Bus scheme. As a parent myself I think it’s fantastic and it should be encouraged wherever possible."

As the Pride of Kent sailed for Calais in tranquil conditions, on a warm and beautiful late summer’s day, it was the perfect time to reflect on the unique achievements of the Kent and Medway Walking Bus.

Through the effort of parent volunteers, the backing of sponsors, the dedication of staff and the enthusiasm of the children themselves the Kent scheme is now acknowledged as the best in the country.