A GROUP which helps fund repairs to ancient churches is urging cyclists to take part in a sponsored bike ride to raise cash.

Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust said its annual sponsored ride, next Saturday, is its main source of income and raises several thousands of pounds countywide.

The event is co-ordinated by Canon Tom Evans, a retired clergyman, living at Pickering, who spent much of his ministry in the east Cleveland town of Skelton.

The trust was set up in 1988 and makes grants towards the repair of churches and chapels of all denominations.

But while people are encouraged to cycle and visit as many churches as possible, they can also travel by other means of transport.

"We urge people not to travel in large groups and the police do advise cyclists to ride single file," said Canon Evans.

He said people can also go by horse or walk, calling at churches which are among the oldest in the country.

Canon Evans' wife Pam is already in practice for her bike ride which will take in churches in the Ryedale area.

"It's a splendid way of seeing some of our most beautiful and ancient churches - and keeping fit at the same time," she said.

One of the most recent grants from the trust has been made to the picturesque remote church of St Nicholas, in Bransdale, which received £1,500 towards a renovation scheme.

A church has existed on the site since 1282, although the present one was built in 1886 by the Earl of Feversham at a cost of £300.

Half of sponsorship money is given to the church or chapel of the cyclist's choice. To register, contact Canon Evans (01751) 476628.