Hundreds of youngsters used their brain and brawn to compete in a double challenge day to find the biggest bookworms and eco-friendly pupils across the county.

KM Walk to School and Buster’s Book Club pupils celebrate Spring Challenge Day victory with key partners Medway Council and Specsavers at Silver Blades Ice Rink, Gillingham.

School children persuaded parents to forgo a ride in the family car for more active means of getting to school for the Spring competition.

Walking, cycling, scooting or park and stride all counted towards the total number of green travel journeys for each class.

On the same day classes were encouraged to meet or exceed their home reading targets for the chance to be named their district’s most dedicated bookworms.

The competition was organised by the KM Group’s charity department for all schools taking part in the KM Walk to School campaign and Buster’s Book Club literacy scheme.

The winners were invited to a celebration at Silver Blades Ice Rink, Gillingham where they were rewarded with ice skating tickets, special goody bags and framed certificates. They were cheered on by representatives from Medway Council and Specsavers.

Claire Harris of Medway Council, said: “An event like this is extremely important to highlight the good work of all the schools across Kent and Medway. Those walking to school are helping to reduce pollution, ease congestion and are promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

Young champion Gene Flodgate of St. Augustine’s of Canterbury Catholic Primary School was a keen advocate of home reading. He said: “I collect the data for Buster’s Book Club at my school and I love it because it expands my learning and I get to challenge myself against my brother and see who wins!”

Silver Blades manager David Wooldridge added: “We are thrilled to support the KM Charity Team with all their initiatives such as KM Walk to School and Buster’s Book Club. We recognise just how important throughout the county to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and reap the benefits of stronger literacy skills.”

Organisations backing the KM Walk to School and Buster’s Book Club services for schools include Kent County Council, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Silver Blades Ice Rink, Circle Housing Russet, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Whitefriars shopping area, Safer Kent, Bexley Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Orbit South and Eurostar.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “These schools are doing a wonderful job of helping pupils to get active and catch the reading bug, both of which provide youngsters with lifelong benefits.”

For details of how schools can join, click on the links for Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug or Buster’s Book Club, or alternatively call the KM Charity Team on 0844 2640291.

WALK TO SCHOOL WINNERS

Maidstone: St Franchise Catholic Primary School – Mr. D Smith Class

Dartford: Joydens Wood Infant School – Cedar Class

Thanet: St. Mildred’s Primary Infant School – Joss Bay Class

Dover: Langdon Primary School – Mandela Class

Medway: Bligh Junior School – Dover Class

Tonbridge & Malling: East Peckham Primary School – Wrens Class

Ashford: John Manye CEP School – Otters Class

Swale: Grove Park Primary School – Class 2HE

Gravesham: Copperfield Academy – Potter Class

Canterbury: St. Peter’s Methodist Primary School – Class 3

BUSTER’S BOOK CLUB WINNERS

Maidstone: West Borough Primary School – Bonsai Class

Thanet: Ellington Infant School – Yellow Class

Medway: St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary – Year 5

Ashford: Kingsnorth Primary School – Jaguars Class