By James Bickerton

A RAMSDELL resident has been praised for his fundraising efforts.

David Finch, 70, has been awarded a certificate of distinction for his work raising funds for his village church as well as other historic churches in the area.

The certificate, presented by the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust (HIHCT), recognised Mr Finch’s longstanding participation in the Trust’s ‘Ride and Stride’ fundraising effort which takes place each September.

‘Ride and Stride’ is an annual fundraising event organised by HIHCT which sees sponsored individuals or teams attempt to visit a certain number of Hampshire churches in one day.

In 2016 Mr Finch, who also serves as church warden of Christ Church in Ramsdell, raised more than £500 on his trek.

This money will be used to help with the upkeep of Christ Church and the 900 HIHCT’s historic churches which date from the eighth to the 20th century.

The award was announced during the HIHCT’s annual general meeting, which was held in Winchester Cathedral.

Mr Finch said: “I was quite surprised as I didn’t even know it [the award] existed.

“But it was nice to be recognised.”

Mr Finch said he usually cycles between 20 and 30 churches during each fundraiser, averaging around 50 miles.

Last year nearly 400 churches in Hampshire supported the ‘Ride and Stride’ event, and despite poor weather, £43,000 was raised across the county.

To get involved in the fundraiser, full details can be found on the HIHCT’s website: hihct.org.uk/rideStride.php.