HUNDREDS of people will be visiting Norfolk's array of beautiful churches on bike, foot and even horseback - and raising tens of thousands of pounds to keep the buildings running.

HUNDREDS of people will be visiting Norfolk's array of beautiful churches on bike, foot and even horseback - and raising tens of thousands of pounds to keep the buildings running.

The Norfolk Churches' Trust cycle and walk event - now in its 27th year - will see over 700 churches in the Norfolk and Ely Diocese open their doors to welcome visitors on Saturday, September 11.

Participants can choose their form of transport as long as it is not motorised.

The ride has become an important event in many participants' calendars and last year a total of �130,000 was raised.

Organiser Geoff Wortley said: “Church buildings are a significant part of village life, but are expensive to maintain, needing much care and attention.

“It is important to get people involved in the trust's cycle and walk fundraising event, in order to preserve these buildings which are the heart of most villages these days.

“With shops, pubs and post offices no longer viable in small communities, the church is often the only public building left and is open for all.”

Norfolk has the greatest concentration of medieval churches in the world and from 9am to 5pm they will be offering refreshments and inviting participants to view inside.

Anyone wanting to take part can obtain forms from any church or from the trust's office on 01603 767576.