WALKERS across Inverclyde can help local groups win cash by taking part in a virtual trek across the area.

Inverclyde Community Fund (ICF) has organised Inverclyde Stride 2020 in partnership with fitness charity World Walking.

It challenges people to cover 50,000 steps by the end of October 19, by following a virtual tour of Inverclyde.

Everyone who takes part in the trek will get the chance to tell their own story and to nominate a school or a community group for a £500 cash boost from the fund.

Inverclyde Community Fund trustee Helen McCormick says people of all ages and abilities are taking part.

Helen said: "There are loads of things we can't do at the moment, so we wanted to organise something that everyone can do that's inclusive and fun.

"We're hoping that people from all over the world will get walking with us.

"We've already had interest from people as far afield as Australia and Canada.

"The virtual walking route is specific to Inverclyde, so walkers will get the chance to explore the beauty of the area while they're racking up their steps."

The team at World Walking have assembled photographs of the area, taken by a local artist, which will help trekkers navigate their journey on the website.

Walkers who have electronic step trackers can also link these up with the website to keep track of their totals.

The team at Inverclyde Community Fund are inviting participants to tell their stories and will use these to decide which school and community group gets the funding.

Helen added: "We're looking for inspirational stories about why people are taking part."

CVS Inverclyde is supporting Inverclyde Community Fund in the Stride this year.

Catriona MacLeod, volunteer development officer at CVSI, said: "Doing it virtually this year really gives the event an edge.

"We hope it's a great success."

To get involved visit www.inverclydecommunityfund.org/stride

Stories and nominations should be emailed to info@inverclydecommunityfund.org

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Pictured - Joshua Bowman, three, sister Ella, five, with dad Andrew Bowman and Helen McCormick of Inverclyde Community Fund, and Catriona MacLeod, volunteer development officer at CVS Inverclyde.