Delighted children from across the county have celebrated being named district champions in a count of pupils walking to school.

The winning classes were those with the most impressive numbers of pupils walking, cycling or scootering to school on the ‘challenge day’ competition date of February 11. Last week, class representatives were invited to a presentation ceremony at Leeds Castle in Maidstone to collect their prizes of framed certificates and free tickets to the castle.

Alex Manuel, 10, of Class 6B, Sevenoaks Primary School - who were crowned Sevenoaks district champions - attended the event and said he enjoyed the social aspect of walking to school. “I get to see my friends,” he said.

Classmate Stephanie Hartley, 11, said she enjoyed the health benefits of green travel, adding: “When I get to school I feel all fresh.”

The contest was open to all schools taking part in KM Walk to School schemes including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug and Green Footsteps.

Joining the celebrations were KM Walk to School mascot Buster Bug and key partner organisations Kent County Council, Medway Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Specsavers, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle, and Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes).

The scheme is also supported by Southern Water, Orbit South, Thanet District Council, Westwood Cross, Ashford Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Eurostar and Whitefriars shopping area.

Simon Dolby of KM Walk to School said he was thrilled by the pupils’ dedication to eco-friendly travel.

“They have really embraced the health and environmental benefits of walking to school and have been rewarded for their efforts,” he said.

KM Walk to School challenge days are staged each term giving pupils across Kent the opportunity to get involved and compete.

For more information on green travel schemes for schools visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call 0844 2640291.

The full list of winners:

• Medway champions: Leeds Class, Bligh Junior School.
• Maidstone champions: Woodpeckers Class, St Paul’s Infant School.
• Swale champions: Tulip Class, West Minster Primary School.
• Sevenoaks champions: Class 6B, Sevenoaks Primary School.
• Tunbridge Wells champions: Hawthorn Class, Benenden Primary School.
• Tonbridge & Malling champions: Kestral Class, East Peckham Primary School.
• Dartford champions: Cedar Class, Lawn Primary School.