PARISHES across the county took to the pedals to raise money for their church.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT)'s annual Ride and Stride event had people cycle, walk, sit and chat to raise money.

The cycle is the trust's main fundraiser for the year, with 200 churches in Dorset approached to take part.

Both young and old took part in this year's events, and the funds raised will be split 50:50 between DHCT and individual churches (or a chosen charity).

This year saw people's imaginations captured through the way they fundraised.

Paul White took the ride part more seriously and organised a tractor ride, with a rally of old tractors starting at Wootton Fitzpaine and going around many of the Golden Cap churches.

The reverend Margaret Preuss Higham, priest for Abbotsbury, Portesham and Langton Herring churches, walked from St Peter's in Langton Herring to Abbotsbury and then to Portesham with a couple of friends.

Margaret said: "I did it because our churches cost a considerable amount of money to maintain, and by raising money in this way, some of the burden of raising money is removed as the DHCT have a grant scheme to which we can apply for assistance."

Bob Roberts from Abbotsbury cycled more than 64 miles on a route from Dorchester through surrounding villages taking in 17 churches.

He took part to help raise money for maintenance costs at the church, and has been involved with the building committee for St Nicholas' Church since he wed there in 2011.

Bob said: "For the past few years I've cycled the Dorchester, Martinstown, Portesham, Abbotsbury and surrounding villages so I thought I'd do something a little different this year."

Jeremy Selfe, trustee at Dorset Historic Churches Trust, hopes that the good weather will at least put this year's fundraising on a par with last.

Jeremy said: "We have no idea yet how well we did financially, but there was an excellent effort, helped by a lovely day, with the weather clear and dry.

"I hope we will get a result that at least equals last year's total of £86,000 and hopefully exceeds it."

One such project supported by DHCT grants and money made from the Ride and Stride event is the replacement roof over the north aisle of St Mary's Church in Bridport.

Jeremy said: "The whole purpose of the trust and mission in life is to look after the heritage of ancient churches and historic monuments.

"As well as preserving the heritage, it's equally important to make sure that churches are open, warm and accessible on more than just Sundays.

"If they have facilities, they can be opened as a community asset and a community facility throughout the week.

"When we see money raised going towards those two goals, as far as we are concerned it's job done."

For more information about the DHCT, you can visit dorsethistoricchurchestrust.co.uk or you can donate to justgiving.com/dhct