MORE than 4,000 people have signed up have signed up to take part in a new ‘Beat the Street’ game - and so far they've covered more than 27,000 miles.

The new innovative physical activity game has already engaged more than a million people elsewhere.

The giant game sweeping the streets of Bridgwater is being run by Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), funded by the National Lottery via Sport England and managed by Intelligent Health.

The game, which runs until November 4, encourages people to get outside and get active and is open to anyone of any age who would like to take part.

Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “It has been a tough year for us all, but for many it has been a time to reflect and look at ways to improve their quality of life.

"Coronavirus has brought it home to us all, how important it is to make changes to improve our health and fitness levels.

“Beat the Street is an exciting joint initiative, a fun way to take small steps towards a healthier future.”

Beat the Street is open to anyone of any age who would like to take part and get active. Residents can play using special sensors called Beat Boxes on lampposts.

Players can walk, run, scoot, wheel, or cycle between the thirty-one Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart – tapping a special fob or card as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.

The challenge was created by Dr William Bird, a GP working on the NHS frontline against Covid-19. It is low-risk, contactless and easy to play whilst maintaining social distancing:

The Beat Boxes are 'contactless' - there is no need to touch the Boxes with the card or fob.

There are 2 metre markers to remind players to keep their distance – giving players space if there are others waiting for their turn at the Box.

Large groups are not being encouraged to gather due to the "rule of six" restrictions implemented by the government and people should stay socially distanced.

Prior to the game, primary school pupils from participating schools were provided with fobs while parents and teachers received a card from the school so they can accompany children.

Dan Tremain, SASP Project Officer, said: “It has been amazing to see so many children and families taking part together and we have had really positive feedback from schools and early years settings.

“We have been told of children making their parents walk further after school to reach new boxes, new play dates being created through conversations at beat boxes and families spending their weekends cycling around to reach all of the boxes. We are really pleased that through this fun game, people are getting out and being active but also improving their mental and social wellbeing”

If you would like to get involved it's not too late to join in. People can pick up a free contactless card from Bridgwater Library.

To sign up visit www.beatthestreet.me/bridgwater/ and follow the game at www.facebook.com/BeattheStreetBridgwater/ .