CASH-strapped churches in East Hampshire are to be boosted by the proceeds of the annual Ride and Stride event this month.

Since its launch in 1988, £540,000 has been given to help repair, maintain and restore the county’s 900 churches, chapels and meeting houses, which date from the 8th to the 20th century.

Supporters are now urged to sign up for this year’s sponsored challenge, organised by the Hampshire and Islands Historic Churches Trust, on September 12.

The idea is to visit churches on foot, by car, on horseback, on bicycles or by bus, between 10am and 6pm.

In the Petersfield area, there are 25 churches – including United Reformed in Petersfield, St Mary’s in Buriton and St Peter’s, Froxfield.

Any route can be taken, with a warm welcome, and often refreshments, awaiting participants.

Co-ordinator for Petersfield, Liphook and Warnford area churches, Eric Skipper, says he is spoilt for choice for churches to drop in on.

“My own preference is to travel by bicycle as cycling is a recreation I?have enjoyed ever since I was a teenager,” he said.

“Our Christian heritage of buildings, dating back from Victorian times to William the Conqueror, means regular maintenance and frequent updating is essential.

“All the money raised for the trust is given out as grants to as many churches as possible. Several local churches have been among the beneficiaries in recent years.”

For more information and how to sign up for Ride and Stride, visit www.hihct.org.uk