CHURCHES, chapels and meeting houses across Gloucestershire are being urged to throw open their doors as part of a fundraising event.

Ride and Stride is a sponsored walk, bike or horse ride between places of worship in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and north Bristol in aid of Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust on Saturday, September 12.

Last year 160 out of a possible 500 churches opened their doors as part of the event, and this year organisers hope even more take part.

Organiser Ailsa O’Connor said: “Ride and 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.”

Half of the money raised by each participant goes to their home church, the other half to the trust to help fund its work maintaining and repairing historic places of worship.

Last year about 300 people from more than 100 churches took part in the event, raising more than £45,000 for churches across Gloucestershire.

For more information on Ride and Stride email rideandstride@ghct.org.uk or visit www.ghct.org.uk.