CHURCHES, chapels and meeting houses across Gloucestershire are being urged to sign up for the annual Ride & Stride fundraising event on September 12, in support of Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (GHCT).

Ride & Stride is a sponsored walk, bike or horse ride between places of worship around Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and North Bristol.

Last year 160 out of a possible 500 churches opened for Ride and Stride – GHCT is hoping to see many more take part this year.

Ailsa O’Connor, the County Ride & Stride Organiser said: “Ride & Stride is a fun way to explore and discover some fascinating living history in the county’s church buildings, while also raising money. It makes such a difference to cyclists and walkers to find a warm welcome when they reach a church. A cold drink is usually appreciated too!”

Last year around 300 people from over 100 churches raised more than £45,000 for the county's churches.

Half of the money raised goes to the participant’s home church, the other half is used by the Trust to award grants to churches in urgent need of repairs and maintenance.

If your local church isn’t already signed up, please contact the county organiser Ailsa O’Connor by email at rideandstride@ghct.org.uk.

Full details of how to take part in Ride and Stride and a list of participating churches are available at www.ghct.org.uk.

GHCT offers grants to eligible churches of any Christian denomination across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and North Bristol.

For more details visit the website ghct.org.uk and follow the latest updates on Twitter @gloshct