A FUN initiative which aims to boost health and wellbeing is being rolled out across Renfrewshire next month.

Beat the Street is a free challenge in which people are rewarded with points and prizes for exploring their town or village on foot or bicycle.

Organisers are now bringing the game to Johnstone, Linwood, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Elderslie, Houston, Bridge of Weir and Lochwinnoch in an effort to encourage people there to get out and about.

Beeping and flashing sensors called Beat Boxes will be placed on lamp-posts around these areas from Wednesday, September 15 to Wednesday, October 27.

Players can hover cards or fobs over the Beat Boxes to track their journey and earn points for themselves and their team.

The more Beat Boxes people swipe during a journey, the more points they earn.

Teams will also be able to follow their progress online to see how far they have travelled and check their position on the leaderboard.

To mark the charity’s 40th anniversary, Beat the Street participants can also help one of the Provost’s chosen charities MND Scotland earn a cash donation of up to £500 based on the total number of miles travelled.

Beat the Street Renfrewshire has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.

Councillor Cathy McKewan, convener of Renfrewshire’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said: “Beat the Street is a fantastic initiative to get children, families and our communities active. We are incredibly excited to bring it to Renfrewshire and we can’t wait to see how far everyone can walk, run, cycle, and scoot during the challenge.

“We hope that as many local residents as possible will take part earning points and prizes for themselves, their teams and MND Scotland while getting active and spending time outdoors.

“The game is designed to encourage active travel wherever possible so get the steps in, get in the saddle or any other method that means leaving the car at home.

“Anyone living, working or studying in the area can get involved – it’s completely free to play and is an excellent opportunity to go outdoors, spend time with your friends and family and get moving.”

Teams from schools, workplaces and community groups are all welcome to take part in the game.

For more information, visit www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire.