YELLOW and red flags have been raised by towns and councils to celebrate a county-wide tribute to local pride, history and a little-known saint shrouded in mystery.

From Dorchester to Shaftesbury and Gillingham, the familiar county flag is fluttering above civic buildings to mark the annual celebration of the county’s rich heritage, landscapes and communities – Dorset Day.

The date also marks the Feast Day of St Wite (pronounced Wheat-a), a mysterious saint after whom the Dorset flag was originally named.

Little is known about St Wite’s origins, with no written records surviving, but local tradition paints the picture of a remarkable woman who lived on the cliffs of west Dorset and devoted herself to helping her community.

She is believed to have lived as a hermit near a sacred well, offering light to ships at sea before ultimately being killed defending people during a Viking raid.

Her legacy still lingers today with King Alfred thought to have built a church in her honour at Whitchurch Canonicorum, now the Church of Candida and Holy Cross in the Marshwood Vale, where her remains are said to rest – making it a historic place of pilgrimage.

Marking the occasion, Dorset Council chair Cllr Stella Jones said: “Dorset Day is a moment to reflect on our county’s long and proud history, and on the values that continue to shape our communities today.

“By raising our flags, we honour the enduring legacy of St Wite and celebrate the quiet dedication, kindness and resilience shown every day by people across Dorset who give so much to support others.”

Gillingham Town Council is also marking the day.

Shaftesbury Town Council has joined the celebrations, calling Dorset Day “a chance to celebrate the county’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique identity”, while Gillingham Town Council is proudly flying the county flag with a simple message to residents: “Happy Dorset Day”.