People across Wiltshire are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Ride+Stride event to raise money to preserve historic churches in the county.

The annual event takes place on September 13 and those taking part can walk, horse-ride or cycle between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside.

Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville, president of the Friends of Wiltshire Churches, said: “It’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially English day out than Ride+Stride.

“It allows people to see the wonderful architecture and heritage in these historic buildings, and many of the churches will provide a bun or a glass of lemonade.

“It’s a great day out for families. Many of our participants are under 18 and, as an incentive, there are prizes, including cash, for young people who do particularly well.”

Full details of Ride+Stride and how to take part are available on the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust website, www.wiltshirehistoricchurchestrust.org.uk and the national website www.rideandstrideuk.org