A school is celebrating after launching its third Walking Bus, and the new route has already attracted 51 passengers.

St Andrew's is really setting the pace when it comes to walking to school and its three buses combined now have more than 200 children on board.

The St Andrew's bus was officially launched on Thursday, December 4, in an event attended by parents and sponsors.

Kent Reliance Building Society's Linda O'Mallan is sponsoring the latest St Andrew's route and it is also being backed by Cllr Phil Filmer from Medway Council.

Principal of St Andrews, Joan Jabbour said: "I am extremely proud that St Andrew’s now has three Walking Buses. Parents have been very supportive and the children really benefit from the fresh air they get while on the Walking Bus and they arrive at school more alert in the mornings."

She also praised the scheme for helping to alleviate traffic congestion outside the school and in the surrounding residential area.

St Andrew's also operates Walk on Wednesday (WOW) which is proving very popular with children, boosting the numbers who walk to school even futher.

As well as the Medway Messenger, the KM Walking Bus, which is a Medway Council-led initiative is sponsored by Denne, Ringway, Veolia Environmental Services, Eurostar, AXA PPP healthcare, The Co-operative and Brake Group. For more information on Walking Bus view www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or call the KM Walk to School team on 0844 2640292.