Youngsters are keen to hop aboard a new walking bus to an after school club offering one-to-one support with homework as well as fun and games.

Pupils celebrated the launch of the walking bus which will service St Alphege CE Infant School, Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed CEJ, and Whitstable Juniors. Students will be supervised by approved staff and parents as they walk along a set route to the StArs homework club at St Andrews Church.

The club, priced 50p per child or up to £1 per family, runs every Wednesday afternoon during term time. Children receive adult support with their homework and reading, play games and even learn cookery skills by helping to prepare the meal at the end of the session.

The walking bus scheme is part of the KM Walk to School campaign which aims to prevent child obesity and traffic jams by swapping car journeys for green travel.

Attending the walking bus launch were Reverend Rachel Webbley from St Andrews Church, Linda Green from St Alphege Infants and representatives from KM Walk to School supporters Kent County Council, Specsavers and Countrystyle Recycling.

The campaign is also backed by Medway Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Westwood Cross, Southern Water, Eurostar, Whitefriars shopping area, Leeds Castle, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

Rev Webbley said: “StArs is having a really positive impact on families in our area, giving one-to-one support with reading and other homework - also cooking skills and delicious nutritious food thanks to the support of Canterbury Food Bank.”

Linda Green, walk to school coordinator for St Alphege Infants, said: “The homework club is a fantastic idea and the walking bus is a really enjoyable way for the children to arrive.

“The health benefits are strong and the safety element with the hi-vis walking bus tabards is a huge factor as we have busy roads to negotiate. We also feel that we are doing our bit for the environment by helping to reduce traffic.”

She added: "Hopefully, this afternoon walking bus will lead to a restart of our morning walking buses which began 11 years ago, with the continued help of some of our parents. Any interested parents should contact one of the school offices for more information."

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “Walking buses offer a safe, healthy and eco-friendly option to get to school and cut congestion at the school gate.”

Families wanting to access the StArs homework club can bring their children to St Andrews Church on Wednesdays (term time only) between 3.30pm and 5pm. For more information email Rev Webbley at vicar@stalphege.org.uk.

Schools interested in taking part in award winning green travel initiatives can click on the links for Walking Bus, Walk on Wednesday (WOW) or Active Bug.