SCHOOL teams have walked, cycled and run for thousands of miles as part of a project, which saw Clacton turn into a virtual playground.

The Street Tag initiative, which was brought by Tendring Council as part of the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations, encouraged teams to travel more than 25,000 miles over the past three months – a distance equivalent to the circumference of the earth.

The game saw virtual ‘check in’ points put up around the area, with people earning points for tagging in using the app and travelling between them in a physically active way.

Pupils, parents and staff have done almost 26,000,000 steps since July, with points also being earned by completing online fitness classes.

Clacton’s White Hall Academy had scooped £100 for best performance, while St Osyth and Great Bentley primary schools came second and third respectively bagging £75 and £50 each for their effort.

In total 15 schools have so far registered teams.

Gavin Bradley, head teacher at White Hall Academy, said: “Thank you to all of our children and parents who have taken part in Street Tag – it’s been great seeing the steps rack up, and hearing about the pupils’ adventures as they get involved.

“Let’s keep up the good work and hope to come out top again next season."

Teams in the community leader boards are also not far behind with a total of 20,000 miles covered over the past three months.

The Jaywick Scout team placed first in the previous season, earning them £50, with 14 other teams also collecting small cash prizes.

Councillor Alex Porter, responsible for leisure and tourism, added: “It’s great to see the community getting involved in Street Tag too – it’s such a brilliant way to have fun while you’re active, or as an incentive to get active in the first place.

“Whether you join a school team or a community one, it’s not too late to sign up and be a part of this fun activity.”

A half-term Street Tag scavenger hunt is coming up next week, with a chance for the top three teams which solve the clues to win prizes.

Visit streettag.co.uk for more information.

Schools looking to get involved should email meenakshi@streettag.co.uk or fill an online form at www.streettag.co.uk/schools to express their interest