FUNDRAISERS and lovers of old churches rode and strode across Oxfordshire to raise funds for the county's historic churches.o Hundreds of cyclists — including Tory leader and Witney MP David Cameron — took part in the annual event on Saturday. They were joined by many others on foot. Participants were sponsored for the number of churches they visited whether by riding or cycling.

They hope to have raised more than £100,000 in the event — which will be split between local churches and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.

Mr Cameron — a supporter of the trust since he became MP for Witney — cycled from Spelsbury Parish Church alone because the Channel Tunnel fire had left cycling friend Elizabeth Macleod, from Chipping Norton, stranded in Paris.

Before setting off he said: "We have so many lovely old churches — I am hoping to visit all five churches in Charlbury. But I can't stay out too long. I have to get back and babysit."

County organiser Richard Lethbridge, from Fulbrook, walked to churches in Burford, Swinbrook and Widford. He said: "The day went well. Lots of cyclists and families came out."

Since it started in 1986, the Ride and Stride has raised £1.5m, half of which has gone to the trust.