FAMILIES can help to conserve churches across Oxfordshire by walking, cycling or horse riding between their favourite places of worship.

The annual Ride and Stride event will take place on Saturday, September 9, and people of all levels of endurance can pedal, hike or ride around as many churches as possible.

This year one of the leading participants will be the Revd Canon Dr Edmund Newey, sub-dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, who will be walking about three miles with his family to six churches in the city, including St Giles', Mary Magdalen and St Barnabas churches.

Basil Eastwood, chairman for Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, said: "Our Ride and Stride event is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors as a family, get some exercise, give back to your community and seek out some of our hidden treasures.

"Why not check out the glorious fan vaulted chapel at North Leigh or count the gargoyles in St Mary’s in Adderbury?

"Thanks to more than 500 participants we raised £115,000 last year but that isn’t enough to help our churches and communities in need.

"Why not take the challenge and help us to reach our 2017 target of £140,000?

More than 500 churches in the county will open their doors to participants between 10am and 6pm.

Mr Eastwood, who lives in Charlbury, said last year the youngest participant was just a few months old and the eldest 94.

He added: "Last year thousands of participants battled the rain to support Ride and Stride.

"They cycled, walked, pushed buggies, rode horses and even drove vintage tractors between churches and raised thousands of pounds in the process."

This year Ride and Stride coincides with the Tour of Britain passing through the county, with top cyclists visiting Horton-cum-Studley, Islip, Bletchingdon, Charlbury, and Shipton-under-Wychwood.

He added: "The tour could be an opportunity to reach out to cycling fans and their families to take part in Ride and Stride."

Schools, youth groups, walking groups and cycling groups can all take part, as well as individuals.

Organisers need volunteers to man churches, provide refreshments and sponsor participants and half of what people raise from sponsorship will be given to the church of their choice.

The event is organised by historic churches trusts in the Oxford Diocese, which covers churches in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Routes do not have to start or finish at your local church and can be as long or as short as participants choose.

For further information visit rideandstrideuk.org