Primary schools have celebrated winning a double summer challenge to find the county’s best bookworms and top green travellers.

The contest was organised by the KM Charity Team which runs the eco-friendly travel schemes Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug as well as the Buster’s Book Club reading initiative.

Participating schools encouraged pupils to walk, cycle or scooter to school and to meet their individual reading targets on the challenge day of Wednesday, June 3.

Classes conducted a hands-up survey to count the number of walking pupils and minutes spent reading in a bid to get the biggest numbers for their district.

This week the winning classes were invited to a celebration photocall at Silver Blades ice rink, Gillingham. Class representatives collected certificates and prizes of free ice skating tickets on behalf of their fellow pupils.

Simran Dhinsa, 10, of Oryx Class, Meopham Community Academy, winner of the Gravesham district award, said: “It’s important to get to walk on Wednesday because every time you walk it’s healthy for the environment and healthy for your body.”

The winners were congratulated by KM Walk to School mascot Wowzer, Silver Blades’ penguin mascot and key partner organisations Kent County Council, Medway Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Bel UK.

Denis Gayout, chief executive of Bel UK, said: “Healthy lifestyles through nutrition or physical activity have always been important to us for our staff and for the general public – and it starts with the children.”

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “We’re delighted to see the pupils get so much enjoyment from exercise and reading. These winning schools are supporting child literacy and helping children to establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”

He added: “Now is the time for schools to sign up to KM Walk to School and have green travel services in place for September. Bookings for WOW or Active Bug received by July 15 will get a 20% discount on the price.”

Organisations backing the KM Walk to School and Buster’s Book Club services for schools include Southern Water, Countrystyle, Eurostar, Specsavers, Whitefriars shopping area, Leeds Castle, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes) and Westwood Cross.

For more information, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or www.bustersbookclub.co.uk or call 0844 2640291.

• Click here to view photographs of the event.