Schools that have shown a commitment to environmentally-friendly travel have been recognised for their efforts.

Seventeen schools across the county earned Platinum Pledge certificates for their hard work in delivering and promoting the KM Walk to School schemes.

The certificates were presented during a ceremony staged at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone.

Simon Dolby of KM Walk to School said the event was an opportunity to reward the staff who make projects such as Walk On Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug possible.

He added: “These schools have pledged to reduce school run car journeys, CO2 emissions and traffic congestion by taking part in our walk to school schemes for three academic years.”

The schools were joined by representatives of Kent County Council and Medway Council, plus sponsors from the local business community including Leeds Castle, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Orbit South, Jelf Insurance Brokers and Independent Music Productions.

KM Walk to School is also supported by Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Golding Homes, Countrystyle, Chaucer Foundation, Eurostar, Southern Water and Whitefriars shopping area.

To find out more or to sign up for monthly e-newsletters School Link (for schools) or KM Link (for families), visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.

The full list of Platinum Pledge schools:

Maidstone: Thurnham CE Infant School and St Francis Catholic Primary School; Dartford and Gravesham: Stone St Mary's CEP School, Riverview Junior School, Cecil Road Primary School , The Gateway Primary School and Wrotham Road Primary School; Tunbridge Wells: Benenden Primary School; Swale: Rose Street School, St Peter's Catholic Primary School and West Minster Primary School; Ashford: Beaver Green Community Primary School; Folkestone: Christ Church Academy; Thanet: Dame Janet Primary Academy and St Joseph's Catholic School; Medway: Bligh Infant School and Walderslade Primary School.