CULTURE secretary, Maria Miller, took a whistlestop tour around Wimborne in support of Tory hopeful, Michael Tomlinson, in his bid to become an MP.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, was guided around Hamworthy Club by Bruce Chapman, president, and Mr Tomlinson, Prospective MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole.

Tim Flower, co-founder of Dorset Dockers, said that it was great to bring to the attention of Maria Miller issues facing some of the members of their club, including addiction.

He added: “Our club is run for the players by the players and we support each other through a range of things that people have to deal with, including gambling, ill-health, or domestic abuse.

“It’s there for the people who don’t have anyone to fall back on, as well as the guys playing a great game of rugby.”

Maria said that she thinks the Dorset Dockers group is a fantastic opportunity for young men in the county.

She added: “It was fantastic to sit down and talk with the club about the issues they face, including experiences of addiction, and the fantastic way that they support one-another. I always feel that coming to facilities such as this is important, particularly clubs and venues that focus on sport, and it is a great way to bring people together.”