The small army of families walking to school in Kent has created enough carbon savings to power 1,000 homes for a year.

That’s the conclusion of The Big Green Footprint report on the positive impact of KM Walk to School schemes, which have helped to remove 208, 543 school run car journeys from the road.

This is the fourth year science graduate Malcolm Montgomery from Whitstable has produced the report.

Walk to School supporter Mark Isom of D Isom Printers Ltd said: “This report shows that parents and schools can make a real difference to improving our environment. It also highlights the benefits of reduced air pollution and noise as more and more families make the switch from driving to green travel such as walking and cycling to get to school.”

Mr Isom also announced the Walk to School Awards are now open to nominations following the revelations of the Big Green Footprint report.

“If your school uses a walking bus or other means of green travel to get to school then why not nominate those leading the scheme to thank them for their hard work and dedication?” he said.

KM Walk to School is led by a partnership of organisations including Kent County Council, Medway Council and the KM Group. The Big Green Footprint report was funded by organisations including Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Southern Water, Golding Homes, Orbit Housing Association, Countrystyle Recycling, Eurostar and Three R’s Teacher Recruitment.

To nominate a teacher or parent for the Walk to School Awards, or to find out more about green travel schemes including walking buses, Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.