A SPONSORED ride or walk which will see people from all over Gloucestershire travelling between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside, returns this autumn.

Hundreds of churches will be opening their doors on Saturday, September 14 to visitors travelling on foot, by bicycle, horse or car to raise money as part of Ride and Stride.

This national event is run in this area by the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, and aims to encourage people to visit the region's churches and raise sponsorship to help fund their upkeep.

Alex and Charlotte Reeves (pictured here) of Charlotte's Tandems are amongst who will be taking part.

The pair took part in 2018 visiting 20 churches and chapels on their route and are looking to smash last year’s record this year.

The duo are part of the family which set up the charity Charlotte's Tandems, based in Dursley, which lends tandem bicycles to people with disabilities or special needs who are unable to ride a bike safely on their own.

Charlotte, who has autism herself, was the inspiration for the charity.

Her parents Kate and Alex set it up after realising how happy cycling made Charlotte and how it could be incredibly beneficial to other people with disabilities.

For details about Charlotte's Tandems see: bit.ly/2ZbZWok

Full details about taking part in Ride and Stride see: ghct.org.uk/ride-and-stride