HISTORIC churches across Dorset are set to benefit from up to £100,000 in grants this year to help conserve them for generations to come.

And now the Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) is calling on members of the public to support its biggest fundraising event of the year to ensure more churches can benefit in the future.

The trust has already awarded more £30,000 to churches across the county to ensure essential maintenance works can be carried out.

Parish churches in Corfe Castle, Sturminster Newton and Winterborne Whitechurch have received a slice of the cash, as well at St Peter and Paul’s Church in Blandford.

Grants have also been awarded to churches in Charmouth, Compton Valence, Motcombe, Powerstock, West Stafford and Wootton Fitzpaine.

The cash will go towards fixing roofs and gutters, repairing leaded windows and renewing electrical wiring and worn-out stonework.

Simon Pomeroy, chairman of DHCT, said “The Dorset Historic Churches Trust is looking forward to an exciting year ahead and we’re thrilled to be able to help preserve beautiful churches across Dorset.

“The repair works we help fund are often desperately needed and we rely on fundraising activity and donations by our many supporters and especially the Friends of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust to make our work possible.”

The trust is now urging members of the public to support its biggest fundraising event of the year - a sponsored cycling and walking event called Ride and Stride.

Mr Pomeroy said: “We would like to say thank you to everyone who took part in our Ride and Stride event in 2014 and hope as many – if not more – people will join in the fun this year.”

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 12.

Mr Pomeroy said: “The event involves some 200 parish and church communities across the county and last year raised a record £80,000 for the Trust – £8,000 more than in 2013. Details of how to take part will be found in churches from July along with contact details for parish organisers.”

DHCT has recently launched a range of note cards which feature stained glass windows, all proceeds from which will go towards the work of the Trust.

The cards can be ordered be emailing barrydemorgan@gmail.com.