MORE than 24,000 miles were walked by participants in a walking and cycling challenge.

Beat the Street, funded by Hampshire County Council and delivered by Intelligent Health with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, encouraged people in Popley to get active by taking part in a competition.

More than 2,400 people took part in the contest, for which they had to collect points for the number of miles they travelled in a bid to win prizes.

St Bede's Catholic Primary School won the overall leaderboard and came second on the average points board with a team comprising 505 people who travelled a total of 8,018 miles.

The school received a trophy and cheque for £500 for winning, plus a further £250 for coming second on the average point leaderboard.

Marnel Junior School came second for the highest number of miles travelled, and received a cheque for £250, while Melrose Hall and Popley Fields Community Cycle Club won £500 for coming top of the average points leaderboard.

Vicki Jackson from the Melrose Hall and Popley Fields cycle team said: "We have had a great time competing in in Beat the Street and through this competition we have gained two new members and two additional members that want to ride with us once we purchase baby trailers which we hope to purchase with our winnings.

"As a ride leader I now have a better knowledge of local cycle paths and have planned a few new routes. It has also helped me find out where cycle routes can be improved in Popley and from this I have participated in the council cycle strategy. Whilst out on the streets I have noticed a big improvement in the friendliness of other participants, cheery hellos, helping each other to find the boxes, discussing the best routes between Beat Boxes."

Councillor Cathy Osselton, the borough council’s Cabinet member for partnerships, said: "I know many people will be sad to see the Beat Boxes go but please keep up the physical activity! The World Health Organisation recommends just half an hour of walking every day and hopefully Beat the Street has encouraged you to make this a daily habit.

"It has been a real pleasure to see people enjoying the activity and it proved to be a real talking point amongst local communities."

Dr William Bird, founder of Intelligent Health, the company that delivered Beat the Street on behalf of Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council said: "Well done to each and every person who took part in Beat the Street. We’ve heard some fabulous stories from participants about spending more time as a family, getting away from the television and exploring the local area. Please keep up the good work and continue to walk wherever and whenever possible."