Keen explorers of all ages took part in the launch of a brand-new orienteering course in Weymouth.

The fun health initiative, inspired by the hugely popular Beat the Street, is now taking place at Nothe Gardens.

Short, medium and long courses take visitors around the coastal beauty spot and explorers can even track their progress on the free Oriento smartphone app.

At the launch of the orienteering courses on Sunday, Jason Falconer of Wessex Orienteering Club, who designed the course map, said: “After the Beat the Street project, we thought about what we could do to carry on the idea of exploring different locations. Then I suggested making a permanent course in the Nothe - that’s the initial idea that made it happen.

“It’s great to see so many people here enjoying the course.”

The interactive Beat the Street game was a hit in town last autumn. As part of the game, players were rewarded with points and prizes for exploring their area on foot or bicycle.

Many families took part in the orienteering launch event which saw all the partners involved in the project come together at the gardens. Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Council, Public Health Dorset, Wimborne Orienteers and the Beat the Street team all joined forces to launch the exciting new feature. A number of stalls were held at the event, and there was also a nature trail for young children which is available to do all year round.

Fiona Johnson, of Public Health Dorset, said: “We’re hoping it will keep us all moving. With Beat the Street, people really enjoyed that sense of being outdoors.

“The idea with the permanent course is that you can start it at any time...it gives people the opportunity to do it at any level. People can do it by just walking or they can do it competitively, depending on their motivation.

“We’re really excited about it.”

Evie Hillier and Amelia Wakeham, both aged ten, were among the first children at the finish line after completing the course, and said they “really enjoyed it.”

People who want to try out the courses following Sunday’s launch event can borrow a map from the café near the Nothe Fort car park, the café on the Stone Pier, The Nothe Tavern or Nothe Fort. The map can also be downloaded from Wimborne Orienteers’ website: wimborne-orienteers.co.uk