School children from across Kent are among more than 40,000 nationwide who are set to receive free access to a unique initiative aimed at helping them improve their health in a fun way.

The Global Children’s Challenge, which was launched by Olympic Gold Medalist Colin Jackson, helps children get to know more about their wellbeing in an interactive way that combines exercise, travel and learning.

Schools in the district need to register before the end of July to get their pupils involved in this completely free scheme.

Reports on British primary school children show the levels of inactivity and obesity have risen to epidemic levels – with one in four children in the UK estimated to be overweight or obese.

The challenge, which involves children aged eight to 11, will be run at no cost to schools, parents, government or the taxpayer.

It measures their step count on a GCC pedometer. Classes will take part in a web-based virtual walk around the world as with the corporate challenge. The more active a school class, the further they walk around the world interacting with each new location along their journey and experiencing different cultures along the route. The challenge will last eight weeks from September 22 to November 10.

To find out more about the Global Corporate Challenge and the Global Children’s Challenge visit www.gccjunior.org