MORE than 520 people took part in this year’s Wiltshire Challenge. Each one of them pledged to swim, cycle, walk or row their way to fitness Wiltshire from April 21 to July 13.

This year everyone undertook a virtual journey to the home of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Wiltshire Council and its partners Places for Place Leisure Ltd and Calne, Downton and Cricklade Leisure Centres, organised the event.

Each participant tackled 29 stages in their virtual journey gaining bronze, silver and gold points en route.

Two medal and certificate presentation events were held in Durrington and Trowbridge in early September, with the face of the Challenge and three time Commonwealth Games medallist Laura Halford presenting the medals.

She said: “As part of the Team Wales Rhythmic Gymnastics squad I was proud to represent Wiltshire at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer and to bring home three medals.

“I was honoured to be supporting the 2014 Wiltshire Challenge. It was great to see so many people set themselves a challenge and go for it!”

Jane Scott leader of Wiltshire Council said "Congratulations to all those who took part in The 2014 Wiltshire Challenge. It offered a real mix of goals for people to achieve, have some fun, and improve their health and wellbeing in the process.”

This year, the Challenge also formed part of the council’s Big Pledge which encouraged individuals, communities and businesses to make a lifestyle change, or support an improvement in their local area.