The Dorset High Sheriff’s County Line Walk

Shaftesbury Town Council was delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of Dorset, Dr. Helena Conibear, to the town on Wednesday as part of her Dorset County Line Walk.

A warm welcome on Gold Hill

The High Sheriff reached Shaftesbury after walking through the Dorset countryside, climbing the historic Gold Hill before arriving at the Town Hall. She was welcomed by the Mayor of Shaftesbury, town councillors, the Town Crier and local police. The Town Crier had written a special cry in honour of the occasion, which he performed as he greeted the High Sheriff at the top of Gold Hill.

Among the Mayor’s guests were Special Olympian gold medal winner Jake Binns, Mayor of Gillingham Cllr Donna Toye and Honorary Freemen of Shaftesbury. The High Sheriff was also joined on the walk by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire.

Raising awareness of county lines

The County Line Walk is being undertaken by the High Sheriff of Dorset to raise awareness of county lines and the impact of drug exploitation on young people and vulnerable adults. The High Sheriff is walking more than 200 miles around the Dorset boundary during the summer. The walk is also raising funds for local charities that support and protect young people.

The campaign highlights the ways in which young people can be targeted and exploited through county lines activity, including through social media, gaming platforms and mobile phones.

Supporting the community

The Town Council was pleased to welcome the High Sheriff and fellow walkers to Shaftesbury and to help mark their arrival in the town. The visit was also an opportunity to celebrate the people who contribute to our community and to showcase the welcome that Shaftesbury can offer visitors.

We would like to thank the High Sheriff, the other walkers and everyone who helped make the visit a memorable occasion.

The County Line Walk continues around Dorset. Residents who would like to learn more about the walk can find information through the High Sheriff of Dorset’s social media channels and published walking arrangements. Facebook | Dorset High Sheriff’s County Lines Walk