AN interactive game designed to promote physical activity among residents in Tendring attractive a record number of players. 

Free community game Beat the Street come to an end last Wednesday after six exciting and enjoyable weeks which saw a staggering 4,794 people take part.

The game was a collaborative effort among many organisations, including Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST), Intelligent Health, Active Essex, Essex County Council, and Tendring Council.

It saw players compete for points by running, walking, cycling, or scooting around town between 40 beat boxes.

Another aspect of the game was the events organised by CVST, which offered free entry to participants and a chance to gain triple points.

Among these were rides with Essex Pedal Power, Tai Chi sessions, Seaside Explorers, ParkPlay sessions, box fit sessions, and free entry to historical places in Harwich.

Gazette: The event has now finished but prizes can still be won

Teams competing for top spots on the leaderboard ranged from schools, charities, workplaces, and community groups.

The individual leaderboard was conquered by Gary Munro, who is said to have broken Beat the Street records by earning more than 100,000 points by tapping the most beat boxes.

Speaking about his participation, Mr Munro said "I got involved in Beat the Street from a friend and got my son involved to get him out as well.

“I have used it as a tool to get fitter and become more social, meet new people and make friends.

“It’s been exhilarating.”

Becky Dowling, the game co-ordinator and physical activity co-ordinator for CVST, added: "Players covered a staggering 134,269 miles in the game.

"In the first few days we exceeded our target of getting 10 per cent of Harwich and Dovercourt population playing and tapping beatboxes, which is amazing.

"We are so pleased with how many people have been tapping throughout the game and joining us at our events each week."

The end of Beat the Street doesn't mean the end of fun activities in Harwich.

Residents will still have opportunities to win prizes over the next six months by finding green painted shells and stones with white 'B's scattered around town.

This summer, residents can also look forward to participating in Street Tag, another game scheduled to kick off on May 13 for communities and June 3 for schools.

More information can be found on cvstendring.org.uk and streettag.co.uk.