HUNDREDS of walkers and cyclists enjoyed a jaunt around the churches of Oxfordshire all in the name of preserving some of the most historic places of worship.

Participants in the annual Ride and Stride, on Saturday made their way between the county’s 540 churches on two feet or on two wheels.

The event raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship for the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, with organisers hoping to top last year’s total of £130,000.

More than 900 people took up the challenge, including a small band of riders from All Saints Church in Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon.

The trust, which has handed out more than £3m since its inception, paid for a new churchyard wall for All Saints. It is also set to fund a new roof.

Among the riders was vicar of All Saints, the Rev Helen Kendrick with her husband Christopher and children Marlie, nine, and Lennox, eight.

Mrs Kendrick has been taking part in the annual sponsored ride for more than 20 years.

She said: “Our church has benefitted a lot from the trust so this is a fantastic way to give a little back.

“It’s also lovely to get to visit so many of Oxfordshire’s churches in one day.”

They were joined by father and daughter team Ian and Hannah Pennicott, who said they’d planned their ride like a “military operation”.

Mr Pennicott, 52, said: “This was the first time we took part in the ride, but we were determined to make it all the way to Wallingford.

“We live in the Old Vicarage next door to the church, so we wanted to do something to support the church.”

Another rider was 61-year-old Richard Evans, who despite suffering from arthritis, said he was committed to doing his bit.

He said: “I last did the ride eight years ago, but I have had very bad arthritis in my legs.

“However, I promised people I’d do it and I’ve been busy raising sponsorship money.”

The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust was set up in 1964 and gives grants for repairs and restoration projects.

Honorary secretary Martin Thompson said: “It was a very good atmosphere. I visited many churches during the day and spoke to lots of cyclists, all whom were very cheerful. It was a lovely day.”