YOUNG CYCLISTS were among those who got on the move for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s Ride and Stride event.

The event, in its 20th year, saw churches across the county throw open their doors as ramblers, cyclists and even horse riders were sponsored to visit as many different churches as possible.

They included seven-year-old William Bishop, from Tolpuddle, who got on his bike and cycled more than four-and-a-half miles to visit four churches and raise £100 for charity.

He also met up with his friend Lucy Smith, seven, from Affpuddle, who was out on her pony Willow and her older brother William Smith, nine, was also cycling.

Over the years the Ride and Stride has raised £750,000 for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust, which gives financial assistance to Dorset churches in need of repair or renovation.

Dorset’s Ride and Stride administrator Anna Butler said: “It’s an initiative throughout the country, not just in Dorset.

“It took place between 10am and 6pm with people cycling, riding or walking between churches, which are on a list we supply.

“It’s entirely up to them how many or how few they visit.

“We know somebody who cycled, I think, to 38 churches, covering over 50 miles and had raised over £800.

“That’s just one person in one parish and this applies to every parish in Dorset participating.

“It’s difficult to get an overview until we get all the money in but I don’t doubt for one minute it’s been a success, people were so enthusiastic.”