Village's stile trail officially opens

The trail is made up of nine stiles in and around Stourton Caundle, near Sherborne

A walking trail with specially enhanced stiles, created by residents of a Dorset village, has been officially opened.

Artists, businesses, schools and local organisations "adopted" nine stiles in and around the village of Stourton Caundle, near Sherborne.

Residents gathered for the official opening of the two-mile (3km) loop trail taking in the various stiles made of stone, wood and other materials.

Organiser Catherine Speakman said it had brought "pride" to the village.

Organiser Catherine Speakman first had the idea for embellishing the stiles last year

She explained the idea originated when a new stile was put up in the village and she thought it would be fun to "take a paint brush out and make it a bit whacky".

"I saw this as a win-win for everybody involved," she said. "For the landowners, someone else has adopted the stile and they're taking pride in it and are happy to maintain it.

"In turn that makes sure the footpaths are open, which the villagers have appreciated and it creates joy for them on a dog walk.

"This could be replicated anywhere, it's bringing value to landscape which is hidden or forgotten about.

"Everyone seems to have a different favourite so it's interesting to hear what people think when they return."

(L-R) Martin Galbavy and Chris Hannam, from Dorset Forge, decorated a stile with specially-designed metalwork

The stiles include one made of local Marnhull stone. Others were decorated by pupils in the village primary school and members of the Countrymen UK charity.

Chris Hannam, from metalworkers Dorset Forge, said they "embellished" one stile with metal tools, butterflies and a snail.

He said: "I think its fantastic to encourage people out into the countryside, use the footpaths and look at some creative works.

"It encourages you to move to to the next one - it's a great idea."

A leaflet has been produced to guide walkers along the route between the nine decorated stiles

The walking route which takes in all the stiles starts and ends at the village pub, The Trooper Inn.

Donations will go towards community projects, including the village hall.