A CHALLENGE to get people out and about in their community has been launched.

Beat the Street is a fun, free, seven-week initiative, transforming the towns of Chester-le-Street and Ferryhill into giant games from March 29.

Dozens of beeping and flashing sensors called Beat Boxes will be placed across both areas, which people can tap with cards to track their journey, earn points and win prizes.

People can play as part of a school team, with their workplace, community group.

All they need is 15 members and they can win hundreds of pounds worth of sport and fitness equipment if they walk, run or cycle the furthest.

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “Beat the Street is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to get out and about in their local community and there’s the added bonus that they could win a prize.

“The scheme has been very successful elsewhere in the country and I’m sure people living in the Chester-le-Street and Ferryhill areas will take up the challenge.”