ONE of the hottest days of the year did not discourage three stalwarts of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust from each raising hundreds of pounds in sponsorship to help fund essential repairs to churches across Dorset.

Mike Keatinge and John Stokoe – with a combined age of well over 150 years – walked 22 miles together via 15 churches after being give a send-off from Sherborne Abbey by rector Martin Lee.

Not to be outdone, Eric Jager ran a marathon from Frome St Quintin church, via many others, back to Sherborne Abbey where he met up with Mike and John for a well-earned rest on a bench outside the abbey.

The trust’s parish organiser for Sherborne, Hilary Leavey, said: “Mike, John and Eric are amazing! How they achieved these long distances on such a scorching day I do not know.

“They have collectively raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship for this very worthwhile cause.”

Meanwhile, cycling instructor Dilys Gartside ushered her peloton around the sights of Dorchester, taking in Grey’s Cridge, Max Gate, Maumbury Rings and The Keep Military Museum.

Refuelling with lunch at the Shire Hall Museum, the group finished their six-mile ride with a climb up the Roman route to Poundbury cemetery, raising £110 so far – there’s still time to donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dilysguidedridesun10sept.