WALKERS, cyclists and horse riders have been urged to hit the road this weekend in aid of their favourite church.

Churches around East Hampshire will welcome some extra visitors this Saturday as part of the annual Ride and Stride event.

Participants have been encouraged by the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust (HIHCT) to boost restoration funds by completing a fundraising walk or cycle between churches.

The money raised will be split between the HIHCT and the church of the participant’s choice, but there’s more to the event then just getting on your bike or putting on some good shoes.

“People who enter can ride bikes, run or even go on their mobility scooter between churches,” said Ride and Stride co-ordinator for the Petersfield area Cynthia Cooper.

“It always used to be ride and stride but it’s evolved quite considerably. The churches taking part are also encouraged to do something to raise money so some are doing talks, tours and cake sales.”

She added: “Anybody who takes part can nominate a church, as half goes to the church and the other half goes to the trust.”

Near enough every church in East Hampshire and the Meon Valley is taking part in the scheme as well as St Peter’s, Petersfield, where this year’s publicity event was held.

Last year’s Ride and Stride was a massive success locally as four of the county’s top ten churches for fundraising were in the Petersfield area. They were the United Reformed Church, Petersfield, St Mary’s, Buriton, St Hubert’s, Idsworth, and St Peter’s, Froxfield. For more details about the event visit www.hihct.org.uk