Pupils from schools across Kent and Medway have been rewarded for cutting down on car journeys and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Last week they received certificates and prizes for being the KM Walk to School Challenge district champions.

They had the biggest percentage of pupils persuading parents to leave the family car at home and use green travel to get to school on the contest date of May 21.

All schools signed up to KM Walk to School projects, such as Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug, were invited to take part.

The winning classes each sent two pupil representatives to attend an official presentation at Leeds Castle. Each pair collected the prize of a free entry ticket to the castle for every pupil in their class.

KM Walk to School character Wowzer made a special appearance to congratulate the children along with sponsors Medway Council, Kent County Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Golding Homes, Southern Water, Independent Music Productions and Leeds Castle.

The scheme is also supported by Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Orbit South, Jelf Insurance Brokers and Whitefriars shopping area.

The KM Walk to School Challenge Day takes place three times each academic year to find out which schools are the most committed to green travel.

For more information on KM Walk to School visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.Schools wanting to sign up for schemes including WOW or Active Bug should contact Louise Rogerson on lrogerson@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291 (Lo-Call).

The full list of district winners:

• Ashford champions were Rowan Class from The John Wesley Primary School
• Canterbury champions were the Wise Owls class from Parkside Community Primary School
• Dover champions were Robins Class from Ash, Cartwright and Kelsey CEP School
• Gravesham champions were Class 5D from Wrotham Road Primary School
• Maidstone champions were Class 3DM from Loose Junior School
• Medway champions were Linden Class from Cedar Primary School in Strood
• Sevenoaks champions were Class 3D from Amherst School
• Shepway champions were Corduroy Class from Hawkinge Primary School in Folkestone
• Swale champions were Eagle Class from Minster in Sheppey Community Primary School in Sheerness
• Thanet champions were Class 9 from St Crispin’s Infant School in Westgate-on-Sea
• Tonbridge and Malling champions were Chestnut Class from Ightham Primary School