THE KM Walking Bus Project is one of the first organisations to be presented with a national Green Hero Award.

The award was presented by the walk to school charity’s Honorary Patron botanist Professor David Bellamy at a ceremony at Kensington Roof Gardens.

The award was made by The Green Organisation, an independent international environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.

Chairman of the Kent Walking Bus Project, Simon Dolby, and treasurer Gillian Reuby were presented with a Green Hero shield by Prof Bellamy.

The Green Hero shield is a new annual award presented exclusively to organisations that have demonstrated both environmental best practice and a commitment to helping others to follow their environmental lead.

The Kent Walking Bus Project has also had a profile of the charity included in a publication called The Green Book which The Green Organisation sends to companies, councils and communities around the world to ensure others can benefit from the experience of the award winners.

National organiser of The Green Organisation Roger Wolens said: "They are one of our first Green Heroes and fully deserve this recognition."

Mr Dolby said: "The Walking Bus Project has, with the support of our commercial and local authority sponsors, made significant strides over the last 12 months in expanding and improving our service to schools and parent groups.

"It is excellent news that our work has received recognition and will now be made available to communities across the globe."

As well as support from the Kent Messenger Group, which helped found the Walking Bus Project, the charity is sponsored by Denne Construction, Ringway, Cleanaway, mhs community charity, Pfizer and the Co-op.

So far this year 30,000 school run car journeys have been taken off Kent’s streets by the county’s 60 Walking Buses, ensuring 48 tonnes of CO2 did not enter the environment.

For more information on setting up a Walking Bus view www.kentwalkingbus.org or call Mr Dolby on 07989 164752.