Hundreds of cyclists — including Tory leader and Witney MP David Cameron — are gearing up to ride the length and breadth of Oxfordshire to raise thousands of pounds for the county's historic churches.

More than 900 cyclists and walkers took part in last year's Ride and Stride, raising a record £114,783.

But fundraisers taking part in Saturday's event — which runs from 10am-6pm — hope to top that.

Organiser Alison Shaw, from Standlake, said: "It's an annual sponsored event and takes place in 33 counties across England — it's fantastic.

"David Cameron has done it in the past and we are pleased to have him along again.

"This year I think I'm going to cycle into Oxford, because you can visit a lot of churches in Oxford, and back via Abingdon."

Participants are sponsored for the number of churches they visit, whether by bicycle or on foot. The money they raise is then split between a church of their choice and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.

Last year, two friends from Wootton, near Woodstock, visited 105 churches. Mrs Shaw said: "Hopefully they will ride again this year, but I don't think they will beat 105."

Father-of-two Francis King, from Grandpont, Oxford, is planning a third bike ride on the trot with daughter Beatrice, eight, and Henry, six.

Last year, St Michael at the Northgate, Cornmarket Street — where Mr King is an administrator — raised nearly £400 and attracted 88 visitors.

Mr King said: "I think it's great fun. It's a super way of publicising churches and raising money.

"We are still debating where to go, but I thought the White Horse might be fun. My children will be cycling alone for the first time — I won't have to pull them along so I'll enjoy it a bit more!"

The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust was established in 1964 to help repair and restore the county's churches, which top 550.

During 2006/07, the trust made 41 grants to churches and chapels throughout the county totalling £216,300.

The Ride and Stride is the trust's biggest single fundraising event. Since it was started in 1986, it has raised £1.5m, half of which has gone to the trust.

Recently, St Mary's Church in Bampton received £20,000 for repairs.