A Medway school has launched a walking bus scheme to fight childhood obesity and traffic jams.

Parents and pupils were joined by green travel supporters Volker Highways, Specsavers Chatham branch and Medway Council at the official launch of the new walking bus service to Hoo St Werburgh Primary School.

The walking bus became operational at the beginning of the academic year and has become a regular service for children with parent volunteers on board to assist with the running of the scheme.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services Cllr Phil Filmer said: “I’d like to congratulate Hoo St Werburgh Primary School on the success of their walking bus scheme that is making the journey to school fun and safe for many pupils. Not only is the walking bus a safe way of getting to school, but it’s also a great form of exercise for children and provides an opportunity for them to catch up with their friends before and after the school day. Keep up the good work!”

Walking buses are columns of children walking in crocodile formation to school supervised by authorised volunteer parents. Run by the KM Charity Team, they are a key part of the KM Walk to School campaign which also includes the schemes Walk on Wednesday and Active Bug.

Hoo St Primary Head of School, Tara Deevoy added: “The school are really pleased that parents have stepped in to enable us to re-launch the walking bus. We know that many families find this a really useful service and the children enjoy their healthy and safe walks to school. The more cars we can get off the road during the school run the better and we are hoping that more volunteers come forward to allow us to open another route.”

More than quarter of a million school run car journeys were removed from Kent roads last academic year because of the small army of families ditching the car for eco-friendly travel.

KM Walk to School is a Medway Council led initiative supported by Eurostar, 3Rs teacher recruitment, Volker Highways, Countrystyle Recycling, Gallaghers Aggregates, Specsavers, Bel UK, Whitefriars and Orbit.

For more information visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk