School children across the Malvern Hills District walked, wheeled, and rolled a total of more than 41,000 miles as part of an interactive challenge.
Up to 12 schools took part in Street Tag, which is a free, family-friendly smartphone app that records physical activity and encourages people to explore the local area by visiting virtual tags to collect points and win prizes.
As part of their commitment to Active Travel, Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) teamed up with Street Tag to deliver the app within the district from 26 September to 18 November 2024.
The app is designed to encourage families to walk, cycle and roll to school, to be physically active and to connect with greenspaces. It is an opportunity to rediscover your local area as well as earn rewards for your team.
Overall, 41,145 miles were covered and a total of 34,651,031 steps walked.
The schools at the top of leaderboard were:
- Hanley Swan St Gabriel’s with St Mary’s C of E Primary School
- St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School
- Abberley Parochial Primary School
The top leaderboard winners received cash prizes, ranging up to £300.
MHDC worked with local businesses, including Malvern Theatres and Malvern Splash, to provide prizes to the schools and individuals that reach the top of the leader board by the end of the eight-week programme.
All individual winners have been contacted and their prizes are currently being processed.
Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We have been amazed by the dedication and effort put in by young people and their families across the Malvern Hills District. We hope they continue to make active travel a part of their daily lives. A big congratulations to Hanley Swan C of E Primary School for this impressive achievement”.
Paul Bundy from Hanley Swan St Gabriel’s with St Mary’s C of E Primary School, said: “Participating in Street Tag was an exhilarating experience, blending fitness and fun seamlessly. We had an outstanding take-up from our school family, with everyone increasing their walking, running, or cycling each week. It fostered a strong sense of community, encouraged physical activity, and sharpened our strategic thinking. We were thrilled to win the competition, thanks to our fantastic families embracing the initiative so positively. Our PE coordinator is now consulting with pupils on how best to spend the £300 prize”.
Seun Oshinaike CEO from Street Link said: "Congratulations to the Street Tag winners in Malvern Hills! You’ve turned small, consistent actions into a remarkable achievement. Street Tag isn’t just about points; it’s about building healthier habits, fostering connection, and proving what’s possible when we show up. Truly inspiring. Your efforts remind us that change happens step by step, tag by tag. Well-done, and keep leading the way!”.
The Street Tag app is still available to use, however, the Malvern Hills leaderboard has now finished.
Visit www.streettag.co.uk for more information about Street Tag.
Pictured: Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing at MHDC, with Mr Bundy and children from Hanley Swan St Gabriel’s with St Mary’s C of E Primary School.
Date published: 18 December 2024