Ryedale is to hold its first Ride+Stride event to support historic churches.

The Parish of Upper Ryedale, which includes five churches, is organising the event to raise money to maintain its buildings on Saturday, September 9.

The day will start at 8.30am at St John’s church, Fangdale Beck, in Bilsdale. Participants will walk to All Saints church in Hawnby, All Saints church in Old Byland and St Mary’s church in Scawton, before the route ends at St Michael's church in Cold Kirby.

Anyone can join the walk at any of the churches on the route as long as they reach the final stop in Cold Kirby by 6pm, where refreshments will be served at the Village Hall.

Upper Ryedale Parish Deacon Helen Rawlings said: "Ride+Stride events are a large source of income for many historic churches around the country. Within the Upper Ryedale Parish, we have five breathtaking churches. Because of the historic nature of the buildings, essential maintenance work costs a lot of money.

"As a result, a decision was made to organise our own Ride+Stride activity in Upper Ryedale in collaboration with Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.

"Many of our church members have worked extremely hard to plan this walk, including arranging refreshment breaks, but at the same time found the experience very enjoyable.

"Some participants are raising money through sponsorships. The support pledged by both the participants in Ride+Stride and their sponsors is hugely appreciated.”

North Yorkshire Councillor George Jabbour, who is also a member of the North York Moors National Park Authority, added: "Having attended the Sunday service at churches within the Parish of Upper Ryedale, I know first hand how magnificent these historic places of worship are.

"This is why I tried the full Ride+Stride walk on the recent Bank Holiday Monday. I highly recommend it.

"By taking part in this new event in Upper Ryedale, people who care about our historic churches can make a positive impact. At the same time, they can carry out a healthy activity while enjoying some of the most stunning views within the North York Moors National Park.”

If you would like to join the Ride+Stride event on September 9 and/or would like to help raise money through sponsorship, further details could be found on the website of the Parish of Upper Ryedale: https://www.upperryedale.org.uk/ or by contacting George Gyte on 07900 896739 or george.gyte@btinternet.com