Thousands of pounds have been raised for Dorset Historic Churches Trust in 2022’s annual Ride & Stride event.

The funds raised, which reflect the generosity of parishioners, sponsors and participants, will be used to pay for repairs to church buildings.

In the Melbury team benefice seven churches raised £3,572 with Corscombe parish church contributing £1,025, followed by Evershot with £835 and Melbury with £766. Sherborne Abbey raised £1,235.

Corscombe parish church raised £1,025

Dorset Historic Churches Trust area representative Shaun Leavey said: “These were great results in a challenging year, and many of the very rural churches like difficult-to-find East Chelborough managed to make a useful contribution.
“Ride & Stride raises funds to help churches across Dorset with repairs to the fabric of their buildings.
“In many cases those funds from Dorset Historic Churches Trust make all the difference to whether or not a church can afford to carry out the repairs and as such keep the church open for services, weddings and funerals.
“It is a very good cause, and it is hoped in 2023 we will see even more parishes and participants supporting Ride & Stride.”