Support KM green travel initiatives

Supporters of KM green travel schemes have joined in an official ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the start of Walk to School Month.

The awareness drive urges families to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or scooter to and from school as much as possible throughout October.

Organisations backing the KM Walk to School campaign, including Countrystyle Recycling, Kent County Council and Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Leeds Castle.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of KM Walk to School, said: “Green travel is making great strides in improving air quality, traffic flow and pupil health and wellbeing.

“It also helps families to cut travel costs and enjoy quality time together and a healthier start to the day.”

He added that Walk to School Month is the perfect way to get into healthy habits and kick start KM green travel projects such as Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug.

The schemes, which offer a range of incentives and rewards for children taking part, officially launch at the start of October.

This year’s International Walk to School Day is next Wednesday.

KM Walk to School is also supported by Ashford Borough Council, Eurostar, Specsavers and Mini Babybel.

School staff and governors across Kent will receive a masterclass in KM Walk to School and much more at the free KM Charity Team Forum next week.

The annual event at Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone, next Wednesday, will also honour schools making a long-term commitment to the eco-friendly travel campaign.

The forum also offers a range of sessions for charities, good causes and voluntary groups on the fundraising and strategic support available, including the KM Charity of the Year initiative.

To book for the forum sessions or to find out more visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk