A TREASURE hunt challenge across the Malvern Hills has had to be relaunched after some of its clues were stolen.

The Letterboxing Challenge was launched in May as an orienteering challenge across the Malvern Hills, where participants use a notebook with clues and a free map to find rubber stamps hidden in letterboxes.

But since its launch, eight locations on the map and clue sheet have had to be revised and replaced after some of the letterboxes were stolen or identified as high risk of being taken.

The challenge was created by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Hills Trust and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as a way of encouraging children and families to get outdoors and be active.

Cllr David Watkins said: “Despite having a really positive response to the challenge, some letterboxes have sadly been stolen.

"This has been extremely disappointing but we still have faith in residents to respect the sites and we have high hopes for the new letterboxes.

"We want families and children to enjoy what our beautiful town has to offer whilst being active and having fun.”

The revised letterboxing pack is available for just £3 from Malvern Tourist Information Centre in Church Street. If you have already purchased a pack, just take it into the centre to collect a new clue sheet and map.

Rachel Vann, health and well-being officer at the district council, said: “The locations have been changed to ensure the safety of our letterboxes and to make sure the challenge is still available for families to enjoy.

" We will continue to provide events to keep residents and visitors of all ages active whilst having fun.”

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