DEVON Historic Churches Day takes place on Saturday, September 8, with many churches across the area open to visitors and those taking part in the Ride and Stride fundraising event.

Ride and Stride invites people from across the country to take part in a sponsored walk, horse ride or cycle ride between churches in the area to raise money for the Devon Historic Churches Trust, a voluntary organisation that raises money for the restoration and maintenance of historic churches and chapels, supported by the National Churches Trust.

Participants visit historic churches, enjoy refreshments on the way around and the scenery as they cycle or walk from church to church. It has become an annual nationwide event since it began in Suffolk in 1981.

Churches in the area taking part are St Michael's in Spreyton, where cream teas will be available, St Andrew's in South Tawton, St Mary's in Belstone, St Mary's in Bratton Clovelly, St John's in Hatherleigh, St Michael and All Angels in Meeth, and St Peter's in North Tawton.

For a guide of all the churches open in the area, visit http://www.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk">www.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk