Pupils from a Bexley primary were VIP guests at the world’s “loveliest castle”.

Five-year-old Sophie Richardson and Freddie Murrell of Peareswood Primary in Erith travelled to Leeds Castle near Maidstone after their Bay class won an October inter-school green-travel challenge.

They were presented with framed certificates and free-entry tickets to the castle for every pupil in their class.

The reception was for participants in Inspire Schools schemes Super Wow and Green Footsteps, which encourage families to leave their cars at home and walk, cycle, scooter, park and stride or use public transport instead.

Classes taking part compete for Class of the Week trophies, and winners of monthly inter-school challenges are rewarded with tickets to leisure attractions or visits by celebrity storytellers.

Inspire Schools chief executive Simon Dolby said: “Thank you so much to Leeds Castle for hosting this event today, and many congratulations to the children picking up their certificates and tickets today.

“They have worked incredibly hard and fully deserve their rewards, and I am confident their schools will notice the benefits in terms of improved pupil health and well-being.”

Super Wow and Green Footsteps are supported by organisations including Orbit, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Specsavers and Bexley Council.