MORE than 100 ramblers met at Durlston Country Park to complete the last leg of the South West Coast Challenge.

This marked the end of the month-long event to set a new world record for the number of times the coast path can be walked in October and to raise funds to protect the coastline.

It was organised by the South West Coast Path Association, with the National Trust as a charity partner as part of its coastal celebrations in 2015.

More than 9,000 miles have been pledged so far from around 650 people, including the event patron Monty Halls and TV comic Bill Bailey.

Organisers hope individuals will still register and add their miles walked during the month of October to try to reach a total of 10,000 miles.

Participants on the latest leg walked from Durlston towards Old Harry Rocks, before returning along three miles of beaches running to South Haven Point.

Just before the ferry to Sandbanks, participants posed for pictures alongside the famous steel sculpture that marks the end of the challenge route and the official end point of the 630-mile South West Coast Path National Trail.

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-a-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."