It's game on as the streets of Weymouth and Portland play host to a new free challenge this autumn.

The borough will be transformed into a giant walking and cycling game after it was chosen to host the fun and interactive outdoor project which encourages people to get active.

'Players' are rewarded with points and prizes for exploring their area on foot or bicycle for the game, Beat the Street.

Dozens of special sensors called ‘Beat Boxes’ will appear across the area for the challenge, which runs from Wednesday, October 3 to Wednesday, November 14.

Players tap the Beat Boxes with cards and fobs to track their journey and earn points for themselves and their team – the more Beat Boxes people swipe the more points they earn.

Schools and community groups will be competing against each other to see if they can travel the furthest, climb the leaderboards and win hundreds of pounds worth of prizes. Families are encouraged to play for their local school while the wider community is invited to create their own teams.

In addition to the leaderboard prizes, registered players can also win ‘Lucky Tap’ prizes for playing along – including sports and fitness vouchers and experience days.

The game is delivered by Intelligent Health and is one of 59 Beat the Street games that will be set up across the South West and East Midlands regions.

Backed by a £3.3 million National Lottery grant from Sport England, the Dorset games have received further funding from Dorset County Council.

Mike Diaper, Executive Director of Sport England, said: “Beat the Street has already helped thousands of people get more active, and Sport England is delighted to be investing £3.3 million of National Lottery funding to help launch a further 59 Beat the Street games at towns and cities around the country.

“By getting people outside, socialising, and exploring their local area, Beat the Street makes being active fun no matter how fit you are. It’s just the kind of innovative project Sport England is proud to work with as part of its strategy Towards An Active Nation.”

Cllr Rebecca Knox, Dorset County Council’s Leader and Chairman of Dorset Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to the area and can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, cycle and scoot during the six-week challenge.

“Anyone is able to get involved in Beat the Street – it’s completely free to play and is a great opportunity to go outdoors, spend time with your friends and family and get moving.

To find out more visit www.beatthestreet.me/weymouthandportland.

To create your own Beat the Street team email team.weymouthandportland@beatthestreet.me