TWO pupils on the KM Walking Bus have set a shining example after being among the first to pass the gold road safety skills test, organised by the Kent project.

Gemma Reid and Adam Mawardi, both age 11, and pupils at Joy Lane Primary School sailed through the challenge, despite facing some tough questions designed to test their knowledge of road safety to the limit. They had to correctly answer all the questions on a series of colourful flashcards following the adventures of road safety character Jack, in order to pass.

The children were honoured for their achievement at a presentation held at their school, and were given special blue tabards emblazoned with the road Crew, together with an illuminated sash called a LumiStrip. The sashes usually cost £35 each, but 50 have been made available to the first batch of children passing their gold road safety test. The sashes are made by Exelite and emit a cool blue light powered with rechargeable batteries, which is either constant, or can flash. They are excellent both for walkers and cyclists to improve visibility.

The accessories, together with certificates and gold textile badges, were presented to the pupils by sponsor Michelle Mitchell of Ringway. She said: "Well done to Gemma and Adam on achieving their gold road safety award. They really deserve their blue crew tabards and LumiStrips for their hard work. Ringway recognises the importance of children learning road safety skills and this is why we have chosen to sponsor these awards."

Senior teacher at Joy Lane Primary School, Mrs Teresa Adams, said: "The road safety skills test is a really good way of showing the wider benefits of joining the Walking Bus. We as a school encourage good road safety through our curriculum and want to increase children's awareness of traffic, as well as helping them to develop independence, so this Walking Bus initiative is ideal."

Joy Lane Walking Bus co-ordinator Melanie Martin, is pleased with what her charges have achieved. She said: "Gemma and Adam have been on the Walking Bus since it begun over two years ago. Both the children are really helpful and an example to the younger children on the bus and I am really proud they have achieved the gold level."

As well as the Kent Messenger Group, the Walking Bus, which is a KCC-led initiative, is sponsored by Denne, Ringway, Veolia, Co-op, AXA PPP healthcare and Canterbury City Council.

For more information on Walking Buses view www.kentwalkingbus.org or call project officer Emily Williams on 07805 667147. For details on LumiStrip view www.exelite.co.uk