Felixstowe parents are being encouraged to keep their children fit and get them to run (or walk) a mile, and take part in a medal winning event.

During the Covid-19 crisis it has been widely recognised how people benefit from keeping active, both in terms of physical health and mental health. Many families have also realised the importance of keeping their children active, fit and happy.

In partnership with The Daily Mile, Keep Moving Suffolk is offering 300 children under the age of 12 the opportunity to receive a unique medal for completing their Daily Mile with family members on any day between the 29 June and the 5 July.

These limited-edition medals will be issued on a first come first served basis with every child receiving an e-certificate signed by Elaine Wyllie MBE, Founder of The Daily Mile.

To receive a medal, families simply need to submit a photo of them completing their Daily Mile using the contact form available on the Keep Moving Suffolk website: www.keepmovingsuffolk.com before 5pm on Sunday the 5 July.

The Daily Mile is a popular, simple and free initiative that sees children run or jog for 15 minutes every day in their primary and nursery schools. In Suffolk there are currently 88 Nurseries and Primary Schools registered, supporting their pupils to get active and stay active on a daily basis.

The initiative also recognises that while not all children are in school or nursery, there are still plenty of opportunities for families to join in with the challenge at home.

Elaine Wyllie MBA, Founder of The Daily Mile said: "I would encourage families to have fun taking part in the Suffolk Challenge and to continue with The Daily Mile at home whilst the children are not at school. Everyone's mental and physical health will benefit from exercising together outdoors in the fresh air."

Councillor James Reeder, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: "The Daily Mile is a great way of keeping the family active while we still navigate our way through the impact of Covid-19.

"Physical exercise doesn't have to be daunting and you don't have to have all the right equipment. It can be as simple as a walk with the family, switching off from the stresses of everyday life and taking fifteen minutes to enjoy each other's company and use up some pent-up energy.

"It doesn't matter if you run, jog, walk or toddle, the joy of this is that you can do it at your own pace and can enjoy spending time together being active every day."