VOLUNTEERS of all ages are preparing for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust's annual Ride+Stride event.

The fundraising day, scheduled for next month, invites participants to cycle, walk or even ride a horse to Dorset's churches and chapels.

There is no official route and people taking part can seek sponsorship to visit as many churches they feel able to, organisers explain.

This year's participants include youngsters from Lulworth & Winfrith Primary School, Purbeck, who will be walking with members of school staff to raise funds for four local churches.

The event is on September 12 between 10am-6pm.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) chairman Simon Pomeroy said: "The annual Ride+Stride event is a great way for all the family to explore some of our wonderful local churches either on foot, by bicycle, wheelchair or on horseback whilst raising funds to support their local church and the important work that DHCT does across the county.

"We are very much looking forward to this year's event and hope to see many people out and about enjoying the Dorset countryside."

Last year's event raised a record £81,000 in sponsorship, with 197 parish communities taking part. The trust hopes 2015 will be another record-breaking year.

Since 1991 DHCT has raised more than £950,000 from the Ride+Stride event, formerly known as the Great Cycle Ride.

Money raised is the main source of income for the trust, which helped 27 Dorset churches in need of renovation and repair in 2014 by awarding grants totalling £97,000.

An event spokesman said: "Dorset is filled with spectacular church heritage and the event presents an opportunity to explore the history and architecture of churches, some of which are not regularly open.

"Over 300 churches across towns and villages will be open throughout the day, providing refreshments and a well-earned rest for hard working riders an striders, alongside the opportunity to admire the history and heritage of these churches."

Visit dhct.org.uk for details about how to get involved.