HUNDREDS of people were out and about last weekend to help fundraise for churches across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.

The Ride+Stride event, which formally took place on Saturday, saw campaigners visit many of the 650 churches and chapels in the area, with all opening their doors to groups taking part on behalf of the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (GHCT).

Last year’s event raised an impressive £50,000 for the cause, with 366 participants, ranging from three-to-80-years-old visit more than 175 open churches, chapels and meeting houses.

Totals for this year’s campaign are still to be counted up, but it is hoped that they will surpass last year’s total, with money raised split between participants’ nominated churches and the trust, which awards money in grants to Christian churches in need.

Among the teams taking part was a band of eight walkers from the Benefice of Thornbury and Oldbury-on-Severn, led by Rev Tom Keates, who started their day with morning prayer in the tin tabernacle of St Mary the Virgin, Shepperdine, before walking up the River Severn to St Arilda’s church in Oldbury, and on to St Mary’s and St Paul’s in Thornbury.

Rev Keates, whose team have raised more than £800, said: “It was a lovely day of community and fellowship and a great way to raise funds for a good cause while appreciating the glorious gifts of God’s created world.”

Simon Soffe, from Hill, who cycled for 10 miles with his family between five churches in the area, raising £200, said: “We’re fundraising to install a kitchen and loo at Hill church and it’s a good excuse for a family bike ride, too.”

Among the other fundraisers from further afield was 73-year-old disabled driver Sarah Hargreave, who visited every one of the regions churches since January in support of the campaign.

She said: “I’ve visited around 650 churches and seen how they’ve developed from Saxon and Norman times to modern buildings with solar panels.

“The county offers some rich treasures and we must preserve our heritage.”

County organiser Glenn Duff said: “We’re grateful both to the many participants who stepped out in the sunshine and came back in the rain, and also to all our local organisers who have worked so hard.

“We hope even more will join us for next year’s Ride+Stride.”