CHURCH goers put the pedal to the metal as they took it in turns to do a static cycle the length of the Kennet and Avon canal on Saturday at St Mary's Church in Hilperton.

Members of the Canalside benefice all took a spin on the exercise bike to complete the 174 miles at the church in Horse Road as part of the national ride and stride for churches event.

Those who came along also enjoyed tea, cake, fairtrade coffee and book stalls in a day that raised more than £300, half of which went to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust and the rest went to St Mary's and also St Michael's Church.

"It was a really lovely day for everyone involved. A good 20-30 people all did a spin on the bike, even I contributed 15km or so," said John Rees, rector of canalside benefice.

"Both young and old took part to get us over the line. To raise a few hundred pounds for the trust and for both churches is great. At St Mary's roof repairs need to be carried out and St Michael's needs to have its boiler replaced."

Ride and stride is a sponsored bike ride or walk where people across England journey between churches and those funds go towards saving historic churches and chapels.