MALVERN Hills District Council’s popular Letterboxing Challenge will return next year for families and children to enjoy.

The treasure hunt, which was launched in May, is an orienteering challenge across the Malvern Hills where participants use a notebook with clues and a map to find rubber stamps hidden in letterboxes.

Once all stamps have been found, explorers collect their 25 Club badge from Malvern's tourist information centre.

The Chance family were the first to complete the challenge after finding all letterboxes. Not only did the children receive their badge but they also received a special gift donated by Malvern Hills Trust.

Rachel Vann of the council said: "The Letterboxing Challenge was launched earlier in the year as a way of encouraging families to get out and about, be active and explore the Malvern Hills, all whilst having fun.

"More than 170 families have taken part which is amazing and we hope many more will take part next year. Congratulations to Suzanne Chance and her children, Benjamin and Bethany, for being the first family to complete the challenge!”