Pupils put politicians in the hot seat at the launch of a green travel drive to cut air pollution.

School children took over Ashford Borough Council chambers for the launch of KM Green Champions and quizzed a panel on how walk to school schemes can help to protect the environment.

The schools in attendance were Willesborough Junior, Mersham Primary, Victoria Road Primary and St Simon’s RC Primary.

Cllr Michael Claughton, deputy leader of the council, said he was delighted to be involved with the scheme.

He said: “Our event was attended by a well informed, engaged, polite and enthusiastic group of school children. Their questions to the panel were considered and challenging, and their suggestions for increasing the appeal of the project were interesting and innovative.

“It is important for us to support this scheme to enhance the health and well being of our next generation and to reduce congestion from school traffic; improving the quality of our air and increasing road safety awareness for our young people.”

Green Champions, which is part of the KM Walk to School initiative, puts youngsters in the driving seat to trumpet green travel. They complete tasks such as poster competitions to encourage families to leave the car at home and walk or cycle to school instead.

Groups of pupils that come up with the best Green Champion ideas can earn limited edition t-shirts.

Simon Dolby of the KM Walk to School team said: “The initiative tackles peak travel congestion problems - including air pollution and traffic queues – as well as the child obesity crisis.”

Supporters of the scheme include Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Thanet District Council, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Eurostar, Chaucer Foundation, Southern Water, Orbit South, Golding Homes, Jelf Insurance Brokers, Leeds Castle, Independent Music Productions and Whitefriars shopping area.

Schools can register for KM Walk to School projects including Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug or Green Footsteps at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or by calling 0844 264 0291.