A new countywide initiative which encourages families to get fit and active has been launched in Weymouth.

This week thousands of residents from across Dorset have been getting involved in Beat the Street.

As part of the new initiative Weymouth and Portland has been transformed into a giant game, where people compete to see if their school, community or business can walk, run or cycle the furthest.

Beat the Street was officially launched at Weymouth Pavilion yesterday with pupils from St John’s Primary School in Weymouth attending the event.

Loretta Ricketts, a teacher at St John’s CE Primary School said: “They’re absolutely loving it. It’s fantastic. At the moment we’re second on the leader board. A lot of children have been getting out with their families, it’s really fantastic. It’s about trying to get families engaged. When children are physically active it has a positive impact on their learning. They love being on the beach and out and about.”

The game in Weymouth & Portland 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 using a new £3.3 million National Lottery funding grant from Sport England. The Dorset games have received further funding from Dorset County Council.

The game’s creator Dr William Bird said the reaction has been fantastic with thousands of players taking part. He added: “The most important thing is what happens after six to eight weeks of the game.”

He explained how people will continue to live healthier lifestyles, and added: “You can see from the children’s faces they’re enjoying themselves. They won’t leave their parents alone.”

Executive Director of Sport England Mike Diaper also attended the official launch event. He said: “I think it will be a great success.”

“It’s made possible by the people who play the national lottery, so it’s important people know that if they buy a lottery ticket it goes towards helping Weymouth.”

Cllr Rebecca Knox, Leader of Dorset County Council, said: “They’re leading healthy and active lifestyles without realising it. I think it will bring out those people who may not usually explore the beach or areas of town.”

Beat the Street will run until Wednesday, November 14.

For more information visit beatthestreet.me/weymouthandportland.