Hundreds of youngsters competing in a challenge day persuaded parents to forgo a ride in the family car for more active means of getting to school.

Children across the county walked, cycled, scooted or parked and strode to school to compete in the KM Walk to School Summer Challenge.

The competition was organised by the KM Group’s charity department for all schools taking part in the KM Walk to School campaign.

The winners were invited to a celebration at Silver Blades Ice Rink, Gillingham where they were rewarded with ice skating tickets and special framed certificates. They were cheered on by representatives from Countrystle Recycling and Silver Blades.

Claire Moorhouse of Silver Blades, said: “We are always keen to encourage young people to maintain a more active lifestyle – both physically and mentally – which is why we are so passionate about KM Walk to School. Events like this are really important to highlight the good work of all the schools across Kent and Medway.”

Young champions Harley Ribbens, 11 and Chloe Adams, 11 of Oak Class at Kingswood Primary School, Maidstone were quick to comment on green travel. “We love walking to school because you are helping to save the environment as well as getting healthy! Plus you get to spend time with your friends before you start school!,” they said.

Organisations backing the KM Walk to School services for schools which include Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug, Green Footsteps and Walking Bus are: Kent County Council, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Silver Blades Ice Rink, Circle Housing Russet, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Whitefriars shopping area, Safer Kent, Bexley Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Orbit South and Eurostar.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “These hard working youngsters are really proving that walking to school is cool! Our brand new green travel initiative Super WOW! gets underway next term and schools still have the opportunity to sign up. Please do get in contact if you are interested.”

For details of how schools can join Super WOW!, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291

KM WALK TO SCHOOL SUMMER CHALLENGE WINNERS

Maidstone: Kingswood Primary School – Oak Class

Medway: Delce Infant School – Seahorse Class

Tonbridge & Malling: Sussex Road Community Primary – Class 1SC

Gravesham: Chantry Community Academy: Donaldson Class

Bexley: East Wickham Primary School – Class 4C

Canterbury: Canterbury Primary School – Westwood Class