CUSTOMERS at a town 's shopping centre are being helped to get active this month.

The Mall Blackburn started the Active August Challenge this week in a bid to get people moving while enjoying retail therapy.

It has teamed up with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, to introduce the new fitness initiative.

Shoppers are being given pedometers and an interactive map before being sent on a quest to eight checkpoints featuring games and activities designed to keep them on their toes.

Weekly prizes are available to top steppers including archery and cricket sets. There will also be sporting-style prizes for the three people with the highest overall step counts throughout the initiative.

The gold medallist will win a £500 shopping spree in The Mall.

Silver will pick up a six month all inclusive gym membership for Blackburn with Darwen Leisure.

The bronze medallist will be awarded four free tickets to the Blackburn Rovers vs Millwall match on Saturday September 14.

Mall general manager Loraine Jones said: “Our focus for this summer is health and wellbeing for all and Active August is a great way to get families moving and having fun at the same time."