Walkers from all over England came to West Fleet on 20 May to support an event organised walks in aid of the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

Organisers of the “Jurassic Coast Chesil Challenge” walk, Geordie Johnson and Tony Thorp from Dorset Fire and Rescue’s Walking Section, Weymouth Blue Watch, said they were delighted with the turn out, which was boosted by a strong contingent from other counties.

This year’s event attracted almost twice as many walkers as the 2006 fund-raiser, with around 120 walkers clocking up over 1900 miles between them.

Participants chose between two challenging walks of 10 or 20 miles.  Both took in some significant gradients, but rewarded walkers with stunning views of some of Dorset’s best loved views, most famous monuments and most scenic villages.

Both walks finished with a leisurely stroll along the shore of the Fleet Lagoon.

The walk was hosted by Sea Barn & West Fleet Holiday Farms, who provided parking and light refreshments, including locally-produced roast beef rolls.

“This is a fantastic area for walking and camping and we have been pleased to help such a worthy cause,” said West Fleet Holidays’ Manager, Rocky Dibben. “We are also looking forward to welcoming the MV Freedom again later this year to follow-up their successful fund-raisers here in 2005 and 2006.”

Above: Some of the 70 walkers who took part in the 2006 “Jurassic Coast Chesil Challenge” at West Fleet Farm.