More than 2,000 primary school children will put their road safety skills to the test this term.

Kent and Medway pupils in the final year of primary school will be the focus of the initiative which challenges children on road safety topics centered on the government's junior highway code.

The scheme is organised by the charity department at the KM Group and asks pupils to take the KM Road Safety Skill Test at bronze, silver and gold level as part of an online assessment. Pupils passing receive a personalised colour certificate while the headteacher is provided with Ofsted self evaluation evidence to support future inspections.

Selected classes and year groups at 40 primary schools are involved with the initiative with many schools making the test available to every child in the school.

The project has the backing of a range of councillors at Kent County Council and Medway Council as well as Ashford Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Specsavers, Mini Babybel, Three R's Teacher Recruitment agency, Eurostar, Southern Water, Orbit South, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Whitefriars shopping area, Leeds Castle and Countrystyle Recycling.

This week sponsors met at the Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford to present walk to school mascot Buster Bug with a gold KM Road Safety Skill Test certificate to promote the initiative.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team: " Although pupils from all years groups are involved, the focus of our attention is the oldest year group as this autumn they will be travelling to secondary school for the first time and for many they will be unaccompanied. We want to try and ensure they can travel safely and so, with the support of our partners and sponsors, we have stepped up our road safety work this term."

Schools wanting to find out more about the KM Road Safety Skill Tests should visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk Businesses and organisations keen to sponsor the initiative next academic year should contact Mr Dolby on 07989 164 752 or email sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk