Pupils' walking progress to be shown on virtual globe

HUNDREDS of city schoolchildren are set to take part in a walking initiative which shows the distance travelled in world terms.

Schools across the area are being urged to sign up to the Global Children's Challenge to improve levels of physical activity.

Last year nearly 800 youngsters took part from a dozen schools, with organisers hopeful that even more will participate this year.

Each child is given a pedometer which tracks how far they walk. The total score of each class is then added together and shown across a virtual globe.

The scheme is also educational, as the route takes in various cultures, teaching the children about history, geography and the environment.

Registration for the programme closes on July 31, with the 50-day event beginning in mid-September.