Pupils leading the charge for green travel and literacy have been crowned district champions at a ceremony at Leeds Castle, Maidstone.

The delighted youngsters had come top in a double challenge, run by the KM Charity Team, open to hundreds of schools across Kent and Medway signed up to the KM Walk to School campaign and reading scheme Buster’s Book Club.

Pupils were urged to use green travel such as walking, cycling or scooting to get to school and to hit their home reading targets on the contest date. The classes with the biggest or most improved numbers for their district were announced during a presentation at Leeds Castle.

Two children from each winning class attended the event where they received a framed certificate for their school to display as well as a free annual pass to the leading leisure attraction for every pupil.

Triman Gill, nine, who collected the Ashford district prize for reading on behalf of Fuggles Class at Godington Primary School, said: “Reading is important because it can help you with your vocabulary and you can learn new words.”

All the youngsters were treated like kings and queens of the castle by KM Charity Team’s mascot Buster Bug and supporting organisations Golding Homes, Countrystyle Recycling, Kent County Council (KCC), Medway Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Orbit South.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “It’s fantastic to see pupils thoroughly enjoying being more active and devouring books. I’m thrilled these schools are helping pupils to maximise their chances for a healthier and more successful future.”

KM Walk to School, which includes Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug, is also supported by Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Westwood Cross, Southern Water, Eurostar, Specsavers, Whitefriars shopping area, and Mini Babybel.

Find out about green travel services for schools at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or for literacy support visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk.

• Click here to view photographs of the event.