THE AMOUNT raised by people from Petersfield and nearby villages in this year’s Ride and Stride fundraiser for the Hampshire and Islands Historic Churches Trust has been revealed.
The trust repairs and maintains historic churches, and to raise money in the county wide event, cyclists, walkers and horse riders set out to visit as many churches as possible in eight hours.
Petersfield area organiser Eric Skipper said that despite the wet weather on the day, thousands had been raised locally.
He said: “Despite an extremely wet and unpleasant day more than 20 sponsored walkers and cyclists from the Petersfield area took part, and it looks like more than £5,000 will be contributed to the trust as a result of their efforts.
“Particularly well represented were St Mary’s Church in, Buriton, where seven cyclists took part, and Petersfield United Reform Church, where not only cake and hot drinks welcomed visitors but also five members either walked or cycled and raise significant sums.
“Cyclists from Froxfield travelled as far as Guildford, and notable efforts were made by those representing other Petersfield churches, and All Saints, Church in East Meon.