Around 200 primary school pupils will take to the streets today in a bid to make roads safer for children.

The march aims to raise awareness of the thousands of young people killed or injured in traffic accidents across the UK.

Kent had the greatest number of child road casualties in the South East in 2016, with 553 children affected by incidents on the county's roads, according to figures from the Department of Transport.

Around 200 children will walk 2,000 metres at Finberry Primary School in Ashford as part of a campaign by road safety charity, Brake.

More than 100,000 pint-sized participants across the UK will be taking part in the initiative, which aims to highlight the importance of being able to walk without fear or threat from traffic.

Brake's Kids Walk is calling for five key measures to keep children safe, including footpaths, cycle paths and safe places to cross the road.

The charity is also campaigning for slower traffic, and is an advocate of the health and planet-saving benefits of walking.

The event also provides an opportunity for participants to fundraise for Brake, which supports families who have lost loved ones in road traffic accidents.

Stella Scharinger, head teacher at Finberry Primary School, said: "We are really looking forward to taking part in Brake's Kids Walk.

"We passionately support the calls to ensure all children can walk and travel in safety, with safe roads and footpaths in every community."

Dave Nichols, community engagement manager for Brake, said: "It is every child's right to be able to walk in their community without fear of traffic and pollution.

"However, many are unable to do so because they don’t have access to simple measures such as footpaths, cycle paths and safe places to cross.

"Many more have to contend with fast traffic and pollution from vehicle emissions.

"If we want more children and their families to walk in the South East, then we need to make sure their journeys are safe."