School children are taking the driving seat for an eco-friendly travel scheme that aims to cut traffic misery and pollution.

Pupils attended the launch of KM Green Champions at Maidstone Borough Council chambers and quizzed a panel on how walk to school schemes can help to protect the environment.

The schools in attendance were Archbishop Courtenay CE Primary and St Francis Catholic Primary.

Cllr Marion Ring, cabinet member for the environment, said the event was a great opportunity to empower young people and raise awareness of green travel.

She added: “I do enjoy meeting the children and hearing their voices on ways forward for the future.”

Green Champions, which is part of the KM Walk to School initiative, rewards youngsters for promoting green travel. They lead by example by walking or cycling to school as often as they can and take part in activities such as poster competitions to encourage other families to do the same.

Limited edition t-shirts are up for grabs for pupils that come up with the best Green Champion ideas.

Simon Dolby of the KM Walk to School team said: “The initiative tackles peak travel congestion problems - including air pollution and traffic queues – as well as the child obesity crisis.”

Other supporters of the scheme include Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Medway Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Southern Water, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions, Whitefriars shopping area and Orbit South.

Schools can register for KM Walk to School projects including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug and Green Footsteps at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or by calling 0844 264 0291.

Green Travel Competition

Parents and schools can sign up for monthly e-newsletters KM Link or School Link at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk for exclusive access to a Eurostar green travel competition. The November and December issues will feature the link to the competition entry form. One child will win the chance to be an Ashford International team member for the day plus family travel for four on Eurostar to Paris, Brussels or Lille.