A new count has shown that over 5,000 Thanet children are using the KM’s Walk to School schemes this academic year.

This record take-up is having a positive knock-on effect on congestion at school gates, children’s health, and on lower emissions into the environment.

Thanet figures for this new school year record that 5,486 pupils are involved altogether. About 2,739 of these take part in the Walk on Wednesday scheme. The others are part of a walking bus or Active Bug, aimed at children and parents who walk to school as often as possible.

Margate Specsavers is a major sponsor of the KM’s Walk to School project. Store director David Bryant said: “It is fantastic to hear that well over 5,000 district children are benefiting from the Walk to School schemes this year.

“Specsavers is very proud of our connection to the KM’s Walk to School Campaign because of its clear benefits to children’s road safety and family health, as well as the environmental benefits it brings.”

Other sponsors of the scheme include KCC, Baby Bel, Countrystyle, Southern Water, 3Rs, Golding Homes, Orbit Group, Leeds Castle, P&O Ferries and The Co-operative.

County-wide figures for this new school year record that up to 39,529 pupils are involved in Walk to School across Kent, an increase of 3029 on last year.

Visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or calling 0844 264 0291 (Lo-Call).