A charitable trust which helps repair Dorset’s churches is celebrating after a record-breaking fundraiser.

During its annual fundraising Ride+Stride event, Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) raised an incredible £86,000.

Ride+Stride, which was held in September, is the main source of income for DHCT and involved approximately 170 parish and church communities across the county.

The event invites participants to cycle, walk and even horse-ride between Dorset’s churches and chapels to explore the Dorset countryside and enjoy the hospitality of church communities.

Both Ride+Stride novices and experienced fundraisers took part in the event, helping raise the impressive record-breaking sum.

Money raised during the event helps fund vital repairs, maintenance and restoration work at Dorset’s churches.

Simon Pomeroy, chairman of DHCT, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part. We are thrilled with the amount raised, which will allow us to continue helping to preserve beautiful churches across Dorset for future generations to enjoy.

“The trust returns 50 per cent of raised funds by each participating parish to help it with fabric repair and maintenance. The other half goes towards funding their grant programme.

“We aim to donate £100,000 per year towards church restoration and improvement and the funds raised from Ride + Stride will make that possible once again."