A MASSIVE scavenger hunt race around an Oxfordshire village attracted competitors from across the UK.

More than 270 runners from Bristol, Guildford and even Scotland flocked to Grove on the Bank Holiday Monday to take part in the family-friendly orienteering day.

Challengers, each one carrying an electronic chip, raced around the village trying to reach all the checkpoints on their course and make it back to base in the fastest time.

Among the competitors was 16-year-old Ashleigh Howell from Loughborough, an orienteering enthusiast who dragged her mum Karen and dad Ian along for the fun.

Ashleigh, who came first in her group, takes part in orienteering challenges around the country, but said of Grove: "It was really good – I really like the area."

Competitors at Grove could chose between seven courses ranging from 1km to 5km which each took between 30 minutes and 75 minutes to complete.

Checkpoints along the course were marked by flags on the ground and challengers registered at each one using an electronic timing chip to prove they have been there.

Ashleigh added: "Orienteering is sort-of like cross country but you have a map and different points on the map you have to find in the correct order as quickly as you can."

She hit her 16 targets on a 3.5km course in 30 minutes – four minutes faster than her next closest competitor.

Participants on Monday picked up their equipment and instructions at Grove Rugby Club between 10am to 11.30am.

Races cost £6 or £12 for adults to enter depending on which course they chose, or £4 for juniors.

The event was organised by Thames Valley Orienteering Club, which holds similar challenge days around Oxfordshire.

Organiser Luke McNeill said: "It was an excellent day – we had lovely weather and Grove was very welcoming.

"We had no complaints from locals and all the residents we encountered just said 'oh, that's a good idea'."

The club has also organised orienteering days at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell and Oxford University Parks.

Mr McNeill added: "You can run, jog or just walk; no experience is necessary to have a go and there are always several courses available, for runners, families and children.

"If you’ve never tried orienteering before, it’s a race to find a series of checkpoints around your chosen course.

"At an elite level, orienteering is a competitive running sport involving long cross country runs across tough terrain.

"However, there are always shorter courses for all abilities at each event."

Find out more about upcoming events at tvoc.org.uk