WILLING walkers raised a whopping £87,000 for Dorset churches.

More than 130 county parishes collected sponsorship cash for the annual Ride+Stride event, which took place in September.

The event raises funds for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust, which makes grants for restoration work on historic buildings.

“The trust is very appreciative to the hundreds of walkers, cyclist and horse riders who set out one very hot day last September to raise funds by travelling from church to church and then collecting sponsorship for their efforts,” a spokesperson said.

The winner of the Morshead Trophy, in memory of the Trust’s distinguished founder and presented to the parish raising the most funds, will be announced in the next few weeks.

Walkers on the day in September

Of the 400 churches in Dorset, 45 are listed Grade 1, the highest quality ancient buildings, with more than 100 listed Grade 2*, meaning they are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust is a non-denominational organisation dedicated to helping with this work to repair and maintain the county’s heritage.

Hon Sec of the Trust, Jeremy Selfe, added: “This year the trust has made 11 grant awards, totalling £101,000.

“Churches aided covered a wide area of the county from St Nicholas, Silton in the north to St Michael and St George Roman Catholic church Lyme Regis in the southwest and St Nicholas, Chaldon Herring in the south.

“We are very grateful to the hundreds of people who gave their time and energy to make this possible.”

Ride+Stride day in 2024 will be September 14. Details will be posted at dhct.org.uk.