Hundreds of kids pass go for 'Covopoly' fun

Michelle Chaplin, left, Girlguiding Warwickshire's company secretary, had the idea for the event

Hundreds of children have taken part in a Monopoly-inspired game in Coventry city centre, which featured some of the city's best-known buildings.

More than 70 teams of children from Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and other groups took part in the "Covopoly" event on Saturday, which saw the board swapped for real streets.

Teams had to navigate their way to the city’s landmark buildings, such as Coventry Cathedral and the Herbert Art Gallery, and find hidden QR codes.

“We wanted to include the historical and the really beautiful parts of Coventry, because it is a beautiful city,” said Michelle Chaplin, Girlguiding Warwickshire's company secretary, who had the idea for the event.

Ms Chaplin said she had been inspired by the Monopoly Run in London, an event for Guides and Scouts, and decided to create a local version.

She then worked with colleagues and volunteers to find suitable locations across the city centre for the QR codes.

On the day, when the children found and scanned a QR code, they were given a challenge such as finding out when a historic building had been built.

“The volunteers had as much fun as the kids did. I’m still buzzing from it,” said Nicola Lomas, County Commissioner for GirlGuiding Warwickshire.

“We had an absolute ball.”

Ms Chaplin said that following the success of Saturday’s event, she hoped there would be another Covopoly event next year.