Hundreds of people will soon be getting on their bikes to raise money for churches in Hants an Isle of Wight.

On Saturday, September 14th, they will participate in sponsored rides to the church of their choice to raise money for restoration and maintenance.

John Steel, mayor of Winchester, has been a trustee of the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust, which administers the scheme and this week he has been encouraging people to take part.

Trust vice-chairman, the Revd John Cranmer, explained: "The Trust exists to assist churches with their restoration and maintenance. These funds are largely raised through the annual sponsored bike ride, at which walkers and horse-riders are also welcome.

"The sum raised by the trust since its inception totals almost £350,000, with the 2001 total at over 10% of this sum. Half the money raised by each rider goes to the church, chapel or cathedral they nominate; the remainder is held by the trust to administer as loans or grants to needy churches."

Mr Cranmer said that for this year's ride, 346 mainland churches would participate, together with 50 on the Isle of Wight.