A WALK is taking place through Dorchester tomorrow to raise awareness of a helpline for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

HopelineUK can be contacted on 0800 068 4141 and is run by the charity Papyrus.

The walk will start at 11am on Saturday from Borough Gardens.

People are being asked to wear purple to show their support – but this is not mandatory.

The walkers will travel from the park, past the library, through the arcade and up towards Boots.

Hopewalk is a month of walks being held throughout October in the UK.

Hopeline UK provides a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your - or anyone else's - ability to stay safe.

It is for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and for anyone who is concerned that a young person is suicidal.

Anne Daly, who is organising the walk, said: "I am inviting the Dorchester community to join me to raise awareness and smash the stigma around mental health and suicide.

"Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people, over 200 schoolchildren are lost to suicide every year in UK.

"These are my reasons for organising the walk, I live here in Dorchester and want to get the number out there to as many children and young people as possible."