A fun initiative that encourages Renfrewshire residents to ditch the car and get more active has been a runaway success since it launched earlier this month.

Beat the Street challenges communities, including schools and workplaces, to see how far they can walk, run, scoot, wheel or cycle, in return for points and prizes.

The game is taking place across Renfrew, Bishopton, Inchinnan, Erskine and Langbank until Wednesday, October 25.

Almost 7,000 people have already taken to the streets of Renfrewshire, with 2,269 participants signing up on the first day of the initiative.

The Gazette: Kirklandneuk Primary and Newmains Primary with Councillor Michelle CampbellKirklandneuk Primary and Newmains Primary with Councillor Michelle Campbell (Image: Supplied)

Since then, players have so far clocked up a whopping total of more than 53,600 miles. 

A total of 46 'Beat Boxes' have been placed on lampposts across the five areas and participants can play the game by swiping their card over a Beat Box to register the beginning of their journey, before walking, wheeling or cycling to the next Beat Box within an hour to score 20 points.

Participating primary schools have provided children with a card and map, while adults can pick up a free card from one of the distribution points shown on the Beat the Street Renfrewshire website.

There are prizes for the school and community teams that travel the furthest, with a total points leaderboard and an average leaderboard to give teams of all sizes an opportunity to win prizes.

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There is also a leaderboard for individuals to find the top Beat the Street player in the area.

Barsail Primary, in Erskine, is currently at the top of the total points leaderboard.

To make it more exciting, there are several events taking place throughout the six-week game period, such as park walks and nature trails, designed to promote active travel and encourage communities to come together to play the game.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of Renfrewshire Council's infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said: "I'm delighted that Beat the Street is returning to Renfrewshire as the previous games have been extremely popular with people of all ages and abilities and contributes to our aim of encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.

"It's a fantastic way to get your steps in and have fun at the same time and I'm looking forward to taking part when the game begins."