Supporters of KM green travel schemes have cut a ribbon to celebrate International Walk to School month and the impact of KM Walk to School schemes in Kent.

Each October, primary schools across the UK and around the world unite in raising awareness of the many benefits of tackling the school run by foot instead of by car.

The Walk to School initiative run by the KM Charity Team promotes this healthy activity through schemes that run every school term.

These schemes which include Walking Bus, Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug successfully removed 208, 543 school run car journeys from the road last academic year.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said there has never been a better time to join the initiative.

He said: “By encouraging children to walk to school on a regular basis parents are laying the foundations for a healthy lifestyle, which we hope will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“Added to this, there are the benefits of less crowding at the school gates and a reduction in traffic related noise and air pollution.”

The schemes work by presenting children with fun stickers for walking, cycling or using scooters to get to school while a trophy is awarded to the most dedicated class of the week. A Walk to School Challenge Day takes place three times each academic year to reward the schools that are the most committed to green travel.

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

School representatives wanting to find out more or sign up should visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call 0844 264 0291.

Families involved with KM Walk to School schemes can earn free green travel rewards through the charity’s scheme Buster Bug’s Birthday Club by registering at the above website.