Ancient churches stand to gain valuable cash for repairs as a result of a sponsored cycle ride next weekend by hundreds of riders in Yorkshire.

The county's Historic Churches Trust has been told that it stands to benefit from £100,000 from Landfill Tax if it can raise £10,000 - and already £8,000 has been achieved.

The trust hopes to raise about £25,000 through next Saturday's sponsored event, said organiser William Legard.

"The money benefits all denominations. Many are struggling to raise funds to carry out essential restoration work. Through the fundraising we are helping to preserve some of the county's finest churches."

While churchgoers and conservationists are encouraged to cycle to as many churches as possible in one day, they can also travel by car, said Mr Legard.

Participants donate half of their sponsorship money to the trust for grant purposes, and half to a church of their choice.

Over the years, the ride has raised nearly £200,000, which has benefited hundreds of churches, many in small villages.

"It is vital that we preserve them, because they are so important to the traditional rural landscape of Yorkshire," said Mr Legard.

The trust has been responsible for helping to rescue dozens of churches and chapels in North Yorkshire, with cash grants ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousands.

Without the "pump-priming" grants many churches, already ravaged by time and weather, would have deteriorated to a point beyond redemption, said Mr Legard.

The work has included repairing leaking roofs, renovating crumbling stonework, replacing stained glass windows and securing towers and spires.

Among the churches to have recently received a grant is one of the oldest in Yorkshire - All Saints, at Appleton-le-Street, near Malton, which is so old, over 1,000 years, that it is thought to stand on the site of a pagan temple.

The tower of the church is reputed to be one of the finest Anglo-Saxon examples in the North of England, while the churchyard dates back to Roman times. Another which has benefited is St Leonard's Catholic Church, in Malton.

Details of the event and sponsorship forms can be obtained from Mr Legard at Low Thorpe Lodge, Driffield, or from any church council secretaries.