HISTORIC churches not normally open to the public are throwing open their doors this Saturday for a fundraising walking and cycling event.

Volunteers can take a sponsored tour of local churches either on foot or by bike, with half the proceeds going to a local church of their choice and half to general repairs grants across Somerset.

A visiting list of local places of worship include 17 Ilminster group churches and seven from the Chard group.

Among the participants is a group of around half a dozen villagers from Buckland St Mary, some of who aim to visit up to 20 churches during the day.

Vicki Bell, who is helping to organise the run, said: "Last year I did about 20 miles, but one group did 48 miles: you can make it as taxing or otherwise as you wish. It is great fun."