Santa Claus merrily treated Thanet pupils to an early Christmas present at Westwood Cross as a reward for winning a green travel competition.

Joss Bay Class from St Mildred's Infant School in Broadstairs were the top walkers in a KM Walk to School challenge, which pitted them against hundreds of pupils across the district. The children’s dedication shone through on the contest date of Wednesday, November 5 and took Joss Bay to the top spot.

Two pupils had already collected the first part of the prize, which was to help switch on the Christmas lights at Westwood Cross during a star studded event on Saturday, November 15. This week the whole class enjoyed the second part of the prize – a visit to Santa.

Elena Hill, acting deputy headteacher at St Mildred’s, said: “The children were very excited to visit the grotto. It was a real surprise to win as well, as we just did our usual walking on that day without even thinking we might win a prize for it!

“Our school is very committed to the Walk on Wednesday scheme. As well as the health benefits of walking, driving and parking around our school is very difficult so it really helps us in many ways and now we will be even more motivated to keep up the walking!”

Simon Dolby from KM Walk to School said: “I’d like to thank Westwood Cross for arranging a double festive treat for the children. Amelia and James were delighted to be class representatives for the Christmas lights switch-on event last month and the whole class was thrilled by this week’s outing to meet Santa.”

Schools anywhere in Kent can join KM Walk to School, benefiting from fewer cars at the school gate and a healthier mindset for pupils, by visiting www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or calling 0844 264 0291.

KM Walk to School is a Kent County Council and Medway Council-led initiative supported by Thanet District Council, Southern Water, Orbit South, Golding Homes, Maidstone Borough Council, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions, Whitefriars shopping area, Ashford Borough Council, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Eurostar, Canterbury City Council and Chaucer Foundation.

• Children can come and meet Santa in his Christmas Grotto at Westwood Cross from now until Christmas Eve. A visit costs £4 per child and includes a free gift. For more information go to www.westwoodx.co.uk/grotto.