A church parish south of Shaftesbury has been recognised for being the best fundraiser in Dorset.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust has presented the Morshead Trophy for the best fundraising parish of the year to St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna.

The parish raised more than £2,500 in the Ride+Stride sponsored event in 2023.

The trophy was presented by the chairman of the trust, David Grant, to the parish organiser, David Fangen, in a ceremony in St Andrew’s Church in the presence of the churchwarden, Robert Wellen, and other parishioners.

Mr Grant congratulated all those involved in the fundraising for the trust which took place on the second Saturday in September.

He: “A village of Fontmell’s size has really punched above its weight to raise as much as it has.”

Mr Fangen responded that it is a pleasure to be able to achieve this much for such a good cause.

He added: “We enjoy the riding and striding and feel we are making a contribution to the cause in this way.” 

Parish teams in all parts of the county took part in the event and raised a total of nearly £100,000 in the event.

The cash raised is awarded in grants to churches all over Dorset which are in need of help with restoration or building work.

As each church must raise its own funds, these grants can be decisive in getting repairs carried out.

The next Ride+Stride fundraiser will take place on Saturday September 14

For more information visit dhct.org.uk