THE High Sheriff of Dorset visited a primary school to show his support for the creation of a new cycle path for pupils.

The recently appointed High Sheriff, Michael Dooley, visited Piddle Valley CE First School during a Bikeability event to show his support for The Piddle Path Improvement Plan (PPIP).

Piddle Valley residents have come together to campaign for a safe route to school along a muddy bridleway, dubbed The Piddle Path, which runs the length of the valley. It is hoped that the improvements to the path would make the bridleway passable throughout the year for all users, whereas current surfacing and drainage issues make the path hard to pass in winter and spring.

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Piddle Valley primary school says most pupils come to school by car because the busy B3143 road, which runs parallel to the bridleway, is narrow, heavily trafficked and has few pavements - making it unsafe for children to cycle or walk to school on this road.

The High Sheriff arrived to the school dressed in a traditional 500-year-old costume complete with sword, causing great excitement among the school's pupils. Mr Dooley challenged the children to spend time on the Piddle Path recording birdsong and photographing different birds - promising to return in the summer with a prize for the best entry.

Mr Dooley said: “The proposed Piddle Path would not only allow children to safely walk or cycle to school, thereby boosting their physical and mental health, it will also encourage them to connect with nature. By using the path and reducing car use we will help to preserve our beautiful Dorset countryside and reduce our carbon footprint. This is a wonderful example of creating harmony in the community and what we can do together.”

Jayne Browne, head teacher at Piddle Valley CE First School, said: “The children were very excited to ask him about his role as High Sheriff but also to tell him about how the school is supporting the Piddle Path Improvement Plan which is located behind the school. The school is now looking to start an initiative ‘The Harmony Project’ which explores how as a school and community we can engage with our surroundings and find new ways to look at our world.”