A CHARITABLE church fund is hoping for a bumper boost thanks to an annual fundraiser taking place next month.

Saturday, September 9, is the date of the 2023 Ride+Stride event, organised by the Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT).

The event sees participants cycle, walk or ride between a chosen number of county churches, raising sponsorship money as they go.

Funds raised through the event are donated in part back to the church designated by the fundraiser, with the rest going into the DHCT grant pot.

In 2020, £112,000 was raised by sponsored cyclists, walkers and horse riders – and in 2022, more than £107,000.

Organisers said as well as being a vital fundraiser for the cause, the event is also an opportunity to spend an enjoyable day visiting beautiful Dorset churches.

Chair, John Stokoe, said: “R+S is a great way to assist in the maintenance of historic church buildings all over the county.

“In the last five years, over £100,000 per year has been given out in grants, largely for restoring roofs, walls and floors to keep out the rain and damp.

“This is what the Trust is all about.”

For more information on the work of DHCT, and to find out more about volunteering, log on to dhct.org.uk.