A POPULAR interactive game turning communities into a giant activity competition is launching in Maldon district.

Created by physical activity specialist Dr William Bird, Beat the Street encourages people to explore their areas and make exercise fun.

In summer 2022, more than 3,000 people took part in Clacton and Jaywick Sands and collectively walked, cycled and ran a total of 38,019 active travel miles.

Beat the Street Maldon District takes place from May 15, for six weeks until June 26. 

The game encourages communities to move more and make small lifestyle changes, such as walking or cycling to school or work every day. 

Meanwhile, the competitive element of the game helps people get involved to work together to walk, cycle, run and scoot for points.

Children use a card and map provided by participating primary schools, and adults can pick up a free card from one of the distribution points listed on the Beat the Street Maldon District website.

Players over the age of 13 can download the free Beat the Street app to play the game with their phone.

Players can join a school, community or workplace team, and there are prizes for the teams that travels the furthest, with vouchers for books and sports equipment on offer. 

Once the game is underway, players find their nearest 'Beat Box' which will appear on lampposts around the borough, 63 of these sensors in total recording each players’ point tally. 

Councillor Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon District Council, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Beat the Street competition to the area. 

“The initiative has a proven track record with turning towns and cities into a real-life competition, rewarding people of all ages with points and prizes for getting more physically active.

 “This is a community-focused, fun way of making time to exercise and also to encourage people to get out and enjoy a local park or woodland area around Maldon.”

 More information will be available at www.beatthestreet.me/maldondistrict.