Youngsters in the Dover and Shepway districts will benefit from healthier lifestyles and safer roads thanks to a new grant on offer to local schools.

Safer Kent is supporting the KM Walk to School campaign in the hope that greater numbers of schools in Deal, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe will take advantage of the subsidised rate and sign up to the scheme.

Bryn Price, trust director of Safer Kent, said: “There is grant money now available for schools in these areas to help them get their green travel up and running.”

The organisation made the announcement during a visit to Ash, Cartwright and Kelsey CE Primary School, Dover which is taking part in the award winning green travel scheme.

Mr Price said: "It’s great to see the commitment from the school and excitement of the kids to actually see they’re achieving something - and of course making Kent safer.”

Matthew Crick, head teacher of Ash, Cartwright and Kelsey Primary, said: “Children’s understanding of the environment is important and how they can contribute to improving their own environment is something they can get into the practice of doing now. Hopefully they’ll continue to do it when they’re older.”

KM Walk to School projects, which include Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug, encourage families to cut car use and get active. Walking, cycling, scooting, and park and stride are all welcome alternatives to driving the whole journey to school.

The green travel campaign uses pupil incentives, challenges and rewards to tackle the threats of childhood obesity, traffic congestion and pollution as well as improve safety at the school gate.

KM Walk to School, which recently won its fifth International Green Apple Environment Award, is backed by organisations including Kent County Council, Medway Council, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Circle Housing Russet, Whitefriars shopping area, Bexley Council, Eurostar, Specsavers, Ashford Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Orbit South, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

Eligible schools wanting to sign up at the subsidised rate should contact Louise Rogerson at lrogerson@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291 or visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.

• Safer Kent works with individuals and organisations to improve the safety and well being of local communities. Find out more at www.kentpeoplestrust.org.uk.