THE High Sheriff of Dorset received a rousing welcome at the Boat Building Academy (BBA) in Lyme Regis where she marked the end of her 200-mile walk to raise awareness of county lines and child exploitation.

Helena Conibear, accompanied by 48 walkers of all ages, was greeted by a crowd of dignitaries and supporters including The Lord-Lieutenant Michael Dooley, the Deputy Mayor of Lyme Regis Cllr Adrian Wood and Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick. They were welcomed by young musicians from B Sharp Music, a local charity which helps children and young people grow, connect, and thrive through music.

Helena began walking the length of the Dorset boundary in Charmouth on June 25 in 35-degree heat, to highlight the still largely hidden issue of county lines in which criminal networks use young people to sell and drugs across the county.

Since starting the first leg of the walk from Charmouth to Portland on June 25–27, she has walked from Weymouth to Shell Bay (9-12 July), Sandbanks to Cranborne (5-8 August), Shaftesbury to Sherborne (23-26 September) and finally Halstock to Lyme Regis, from October 21-25 - a total of over half a million steps.

Her route, which was designed to take her through communities across Dorset, saw Helena joined by 335 other walkers, including mayors, young people, cadets, farmers, local dignitaries, youth workers, and Rotary and Royal British Legion members.

Dorset Police Chief Inspector Jamie Halford also joined her between Christchurch and Sandbanks.

Among those accompanying Helena on the final stretch of her walk was the Deputy Mayor of Lyme Regis Cllr Adrian Wood and members and staff from Lyme Regis Town Council.

The party traced the route from Lambert's Castle, following the old packhorse route into Lyme before stopping off at The Town Mill and walking the last half mile to the Boat Building Academy on Monmouth Beach.

"I would like to thank the many people who have supported me in this walk and in doing so have helped me to raise awareness of county lines," Helena said.

"Too many children are being targeted and exploited, often while dealing with challenges such as poverty, family substance misuse, mental health difficulties, learning needs, experiences of care, or school exclusion.

"By walking through our communities, I have hoped to raise awareness of this problem and to give my backing to those who are working tirelessly to create safer environments and better futures for young people. Every step has hopefully sent a message to them that they are not alone."

She continued: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have made this walk possible. It was never just me. Around 335 people have joined me along the way, aged six to 95, wonderful people with whom I have had many wonderful conversations.

"I would also like to thank the people who have made us meals, let me stay in their homes and those who have planned my route. Without them all this would simply not have been possible. It has been a truly humbling and inspiring experience."

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick thanked Helena for casting a spotlight on the serious issues of illegal drugs and county lines and for supporting young people's charities, adding: "In the last year Dorset Police has closed 38 county lines, arrested 200 people, and safeguarded 81 people, most of whom are under 18. Raising awareness is absolutely crucial. The more parents understand the signs, the better it will be and Helena has made a wonderful difference."

Commenting on the wild weather Helena has endured during the walk, Lord-Lieutenant Michael Dooley said: "Just as your supporters encouraged you when you were tired and wet, you have done the same for young people. Every young person deserves that feeling. Someone is beside me. I matter. I belong. Notice the person who has gone quiet, Listen, take their fears seriously. Support those who work to keep them safe."

Will Reed, Director of the Boat Building Academy thanked the High Sheriff for choosing the BBA to finish her walk, adding: "It's a privilege to mark the end of this remarkable challenge here and we thank you for your commitment to young people. Protecting their future is key and something we also feel passionately about at the BBA, where we collaborate with local schools and the wider boat building academy to support them through routes into rewarding careers."

The Dorset County Line Walk has raised £20,000 which will go directly (via The Dorset Shrieval Charitable Trust) towards Dorset charities which work with vulnerable young people or in areas of deprivation providing opportunity, safe spaces. skills or diversionary activities.

Chosen charities include Future Roots, Escape Line, The Front Line Skate Park, Bournemouth YMCA, and The Talk About Trust Drug Education Charity and Bridport Youth and Community Centre.

Donations can still be made to the walk via Walking The County Line of Dorset for County Lines - a Charities crowdfunding project in Dorchester by High Sheriff of Dorset