WEST DORSET residents are being urged to ‘ride or stride’ to raise money for the maintenance and repair of the county’s historic churches.

Scores of churches in villages from Askerswell to Whitchurch Canonicorum and in Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis, will be open on Saturday, September 14 as part of an initiative to preserve the buildings.

Simon Pomeroy, chairman of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust, said the annual fundraising day is vital for the future of such ‘marvellous buildings’.

Volunteers of all ages are gearing up to pedal for their parish at this year’s Ride and Stride event, organised locally by Dorset Historic Churches Trust.

Participants are being invited to cycle, walk and even horse ride, to as many churches as possible on Saturday between 10am and 6pm Last year’s event raised a record £60,923 in sponsorship, with 169 parish communities taking part.

Mr Pomeroy said: “The annual event is a great way for all the family to explore some of our wonderful local churches while at the same time raising funds to support your local church and the important work that DHCT does across the county.”

DHCT will split sponsorship between their nominated church and Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT).

Even churches that are not regularly open will welcome fundraisers on the day.

These include the tiny pre-Reformation Corton chapel near Portesham.

More than 200 churches in towns and villages across the county will be open throughout the day to provide refreshments and give the opportunity to explore.

Sponsors law firm Porter Dodson, with offices in Sherborne and Dorchester, will be giving out T-shirts to those taking part.

Money raised is the main source of income for the Trust, which last year helped 35 churches in need of repair and renovation, by awarding grants totalling £74,000.

For more information about the Ride and Stride contact Anna Butler on 01305 260004 or email anna-butler@hotmail.co.uk or visit dorsethistoricchurchestrust.co.uk