Neighbourhoods in Hounslow are being pitted against one another in a competition to see who can clock up the most miles on foot and bike.

Citizens from Heston and West Feltham will do battle in the innovative Beat the Street contest, aimed at getting people to lead healthier lifestyles.

Players are issued with special cards which they use to record their journeys by swiping in and out, much as you would with an Oystercard, at 66 'Beat Boxes' fitted to lampposts in the two areas. They can monitor their score and that of their district online.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the individuals and the neighbourhood travelling furthest under their own steam during the challenge, which will run for six weeks from Wednesday (October 14) to November 25.

Councillor Ed Mayne, Hounslow Council's cabinet member for public health and leisure, said: "The health benefits of physical activity cannot be underestimated and this initiative is a fantastic, fun way to help residents be more active.

"Beat the Street also encourages people to get outside and discover new places in the borough and the team challenge means everyone can get involved – from children to grandparents!"

The free-to-enter competition was run between pupils at two schools in Hounslow last autumn but is open to people of all ages this time around.

Individuals, schools, businesses, community groups and families have all been urged to get involved in the challenge.

Beat the Street in Hounslow is run by Intelligent Health and jointly funded by the council and the European Union Switch - a project to get people travelling by foot or bike rather than driving.

For more about the initiative, including downloadable maps showing beat boxes in the area, visit www.Hounslow.beatthestreet.me. Community groups and residents interested in taking part can contact suny.ravenscroft@intellligenthealth.co.uk.