Birchington pupils have marched their way to a top prize in a Kent wide green travel contest.

Year 3 class from St Nicholas at Wade CEP School took the lead for using eco friendly travel for the school run on the competition date of Wednesday, March 4.

They were rewarded with a bumper cheque for £250 to spend on books for the school library as well as a free entry ticket to Silver Blades ice skating rink for each pupil.

Head teacher Mrs Heather Kemp said: “Under the guidance of our two road safety officers, increasing numbers of our children are walking, scooting and cycling to school.

“We like to encourage this as much as possible to help the children understand how they can keep themselves healthy, protect the environment and ease congestion through the village at drop off and pick up times.”

She added: “We are delighted to have won this prize - pupils love reading and new books always make a story seem extra special.”

The contest was staged by KM Walk to School which is a KCC and Medway Council led initiative supported by Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Westwood Cross, Southern Water, Countrystyle, Eurostar, Specsavers, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Orbit South, Whitefriars shopping area, Leeds Castle, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: "Congratulations to the children for their wonderful walk to school efforts and I’m sure they will have hours of enjoyment from their prize.”

More than 50,000 children at 250 primary schools were involved in the competition to clock up the biggest number of green journeys to school.

• To find out more or to register for walk to school projects including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug or Green Footsteps, visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk.