THE popular Malvern Hills Letterboxing challenge is returning to the district to encourage children and families to enjoy the outdoors.

Letterboxing is an orienteering challenge where participants use a notebook with clues and a free map to find 25 rubber stamps hidden in letterboxes across the hills.

Created by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Hills Trust, the challenge will start on Monday, July 22, and will be available throughout the summer holidays.

This year, the hills have been divided into weekly areas which will have three to five letterboxes out at once, staying out for a week.

Clue sheets, notebooks and badges can be purchased for £3 from Malvern Tourist Information Centre at Lyttelton Well, Church Street, along with a free map.

Free updated versions of the packs will be available for families that have purchased them in previous years.

Rachel Vann, the council's physical activity and well-being officer, said: “We are so excited to be bringing back the Letterboxing to Malvern Hills for another year. It is an opportunity for families and children to get active whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings on our doorstep.”

Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/letterboxing or email getactive@malvernhills.gov.uk for more information.