THE MAN who organises the 25-church circuit for the annual fundraising Ride and Stride event hopes to retire on a high note.

Last year participants who spent the day visiting churches to raise money for Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust (HIHCT) raised a record £8,000, the second highest amount in Hampshire.

Eric Skipper (86), of the United Reformed Church in College Street, said: “People can walk, ride a bike or horse, or even drive to the churches; one person even used his bus pass and raised quite a bit.

“This will be my last year as organiser, and it would be nice if someone younger took over the role.”

Those taking part raise sponsorship for each church they visit, and the money goes to the trust.

Half is returned to a church of their choice, and the remainder goes toward more serious church renovation projects.

Mr Skipper said: “Local churches that have benefitted include Froxfield, Buriton and the Roman Catholic church in Station Road.”

Ride and Stride is on Saturday, September 10. For more details, contact Mr Skipper on 01730 267899, or visit the HIHCT website at: www.hihct.org.uk