MORE THAN £1,000 was raised as a number of residents went 'riding and striding' in support of a local church.

Representatives of St Candida and Holy Cross Church in Whitchurch Canonicorum joined in Dorset Historic Churches Trust's Ride and Stride campaign on Saturday, September 11.

The team of walkers, cyclists, a runner and even ten tractor drivers visited a number of churches in the area throughout the day.

So far, the efforts of the participants have raised £1,100. Half of these funds will go to the Dorset Historic Churches Trust whilst the other half will go towards St Candida and Holy Cross Church.

Thirteen walkers, or 'striders', began their day at the Whitchurch Canonicorum church and walked 10 miles in the Marshwood Vale and Golden Cap Estate, visiting three churches along the way. The runner took the same route at a faster pace up in front of the walkers.

The five cyclists started at St Giles Church in Chideock and followed a thirty-four mile route over a number of hills visiting 17 churches. At St Mary's Church in Pilsdon the cyclists stopped to observe a moment of silence in contemplation of the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the recent events in Afghanistan.

The tractor drivers joined in with vintage Massey Fergusons, Fords and David Browns tractors for a 30 mile route which included Broadoak, Salway Ash, Seatown and Charmouth.

Betsy West, one of the organisers of the event, said: "We had a terrific day Riding and Striding in perfect autumn weather on Saturday This year, Team Whitchurch encompassed walkers, cyclists, tractor drivers and a runner.

"Thanks to Team Whitchurch for a great effort and to all of our sponsors throughout the community who have donated £1100 (not including Gift Aid) at the time of writing."

Each group returned to St Candida and Holy Cross at the end of the day for a sumptuous tea.

All money raised goes to Dorset Historic Churches Trust which then returns half to the groups nominated church, using the rest to fund grants for churches throughout the county. St Candida and Holy Cross Church recently benefitted from one of these grants, receiving £5,000 towards works on its church tower.

The Dorset Historic Churches Trust has pledged to make £125,000 in grants throughout 2021.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/whitchurch-canonicorum2021