EIGHTEEN years worth of exercise were logged in Wiltshire this summer as part of an initiative to get people moving.

Wiltshire Council's Big Pledge 'Beat the Clock' fitness challenge encouraged participants to unleash both their active and competitive sides, as they competed against the clock to record as many minutes of physical activity as possible.

Nearly 10, 000 people signed up for the event, with 9.5 million minutes logged across the eight- week period.

Councillor Chris Williams said: “The Big Pledge showed that sometimes all people need is a challenge and a bit of motivation to get more active.

“Challenges like this really help people focus on their health, and doing just a short amount of exercise a day can make a big difference."

Rachel Pooler from Old Sarum near Salisbury won a Fitbit for her efforts in the challenge, and believes the Big Pledge inspired and encouraged her to lead a more active lifestyle.

She said: “I was motivated to try things I never thought I could do such as Pilates, and felt better for being more active."

Over 100 teams took part in the challenge from various workplaces, businesses, communities, clubs and schools, and winners of different categories included Active Wiltshire, Innov8 Sportz, Moore4less, Walk4Health and Box Primary School.

Box Primary School headteacher, Jo French said: “We were excited to learn that we were the most active school.

"The children really enjoyed taking part and this is a fantastic reward for all their hard work.”

Cllr Williams added: “Our hope is that all those who took part carry on being active to keep themselves and their family healthy and happy – that would be a lovely legacy.”