HOW many miles do you have to walk to protect Dorset’s coastline?

Organisers of a month-long event aiming to break a world record hope the magic number is 10,000.

Hundreds of people have taken part in the South West Coast Path Challenge, including television presenter Monty Halls and comedian Bill Bailey.

On Saturday, 100 people took part in one last push with a walk around Swanage, to help towards efforts to set a world record for the number of times the coast path can be walked in one month.

So far, 650 people have walked 9,000 miles but organisers hope that more walkers will register and bring the total to 10,000.

The South West Coast Path Association and the National Trust are behind the bid, which is part of their coastal celebrations in 2015.

Hayley Partridge, South West Coast Path association events officer said: “We’ve had four amazing 10-mile challenge walks in October, beginning at the very start of the path in Minehead down to the most southerly point in Cornwall across to Plymouth and finally along this stunning stretch of coast in Dorset.

“It’s been a truly memorable experience for all those who took part, from the youngest participant at just three and half years old to the group of ladies who took part in all four of the organised walks. It’s provided an opportunity for people to get together with friends and family, see some beautiful scenery while helping to celebrate the coastline.

“All the money raised will go towards path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just one mile of Coast Path and every mile counts.”

The event will run again next year when the plan will be to beat the record set this October and increase the fundraising to help protect the coast path.

Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust, added: “With over 300 miles of coastline in the South West owned and cared for by the National Trust, the South West Coast Path is the golden thread that joins our coastal outdoors sites together.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Association on their flagship event as part of our coastal festival celebrations this year and look forward to seeing the final total for the number of miles clocked up in one month.”

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest news and views from the Coast Path visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk