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| The Thanet winners with Simon Allum from KCC and Brian Constable of The Co-operative |
Five Thanet schools have been recognised for their commitment to improving the environment by removing car journeys from the road.
They were presented with certificates for their efforts at a glittering KM Walk to School Awards ceremony.
The top new walking bus in Thanet was at Birchington Primary, which has never missed a day.
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| | Barry Sussex receives his award from Simon Allum of KCC |
Simon Dolby, chairman of the KM Charity Team, which runs the KM Walk to School schemes, said: “Birchington’s bus has kept on rolling thanks to continued persistence and support from participating parents, the enduring involvement of a minimum of nine children and the commitment and backing of the local community officer, who has been involved in road safety assessments.
School caretaker Barry Sussex from St Joseph’s Primary in Broadstairs was the top member of staff for the district.
Mr Dolby said: “Barry has ensured that the walk to school schemes at St Joseph’s are constantly developing and thriving.
“He has set up a March on Mondays and Footit on Fridays so that more than half the children now walk to school.”
The top volunteer award went to Sarah Davies at Monkton Primary School.
Mr Dolby said Sarah has been walking bus co-ordinator for four years and arranges a rota for up to 25 volunteers to accompany up to 70 children for 190 mornings of the year.
“Her commitment has helped Monkton gain Healthy School and Eco School status, helping to massively reduce gridlock in the village,” he added.
Chilton Primary in Ramsgate was the Top Walk on Wednesday (WOW) School in Thanet, taking 1,779 school run car journeys off the road in terms one and two.
Mr Dolby said continued promotion of WOW has contributed to its success at the school.
“Pupils are great promoters of the scheme, urging their parents to leave the car at home on Wednesdays,” he added.
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| Brian Constable of The Co-operative presents Chris Dale with Chilton's award | |
The top Walking Bug school was Northdown Primary in Cliftonville, with children aware of the health and environmental benefits of walking and enjoy the social side too.
Children give many reasons for taking part including keeping fit, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, saving energy and the world.
Guests at the awards night included schools, parents and sponsors and they were entertained by X Factor finalist Ben Mills.
Mr Dolby said the event was a great start to the KM Charity team’s 10th birthday year.
He thanked all those whose support had helped to make KM Walk to School what it is today and praised Veolia Environmental Services whose sponsorship made the awards night possible.
*As well as the KM Group, the Walking Bus, which is a KCC-led initiative is sponsored by Denne Construction, Bel UK, Ringway, Veolia Environmental Services, Eurostar, AXA PPP healthcare and the Co-operative.