Hundreds of energetic supporters all over the county cycled, walked and rode – and raised £85,000 in Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s annual Ride & Stride event.
The amount is comparable with the pre-Covid-19 pandemic average, and the money will help with the upkeep of the county’s beautiful and historic church buildings.
The trust has given out more than £100,000 a year in grants in the last five years, largely for restoring church roofs, walls and floors to keep out the rain and damp.
Ride & Stride is a real, practical help to each parish, as 50 per cent of the money raised is returned to the church which raised it.

The trustees are grateful to everyone who took part and raised sponsorship in the event in September, and an active team of parish organisers who spread the word, encouraged participation and help send in the money.
Trust chairman John Stokoe said: “The trust is extremely grateful to all the many volunteers – by no means all traditional church people – who get out and about, visit churches and gather in sponsorship for what is one of the largest conservation charities in Dorset.”

The trust is always seeking volunteers with an interest in historic buildings to get involved in its work at parish, deanery or county level.
Anyone who would like to volunteer should seek out their parish organiser or visit the website www.dhct.org.uk