Change is afoot, as walking looks set to spread across the borough as part of an international initiative to encourage physical activity.

Teachers and youngsters from Manor Primary School in West Ham attended the launch at Stratford’s Olympic Park on Monday, pledging their involvement over the next six weeks.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Beat the Street campaign,” said Manor Primary School pupil Aulona Taupaj.

The nine-year-old added: “It is a chance for me to get out and visit my local area more, like the Olympic park. It will also make me fit and healthy as I will be walking and doing more exercise. I can’t wait to get started!”

Every pupil at the school will play the game, which involves tapping a ‘Beat Box’ twice for a journey. There will 154 stations across Newham, Waltham Forest, Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

“So many of our kids don’t do enough excercise, it’s a big problem,” said Manor Primary’s deputy head, Terena Grant. “This has given us the impetus and resources to get the children exercising. Then it will be down to us to keep on reenforcing that message.”

The campaign aims to demonstrate the fun and benefit of walking and keeping active. Newham’s role is funded by Diabetes UK, British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco Charity Partnership.