A RECTOR braved rain, fog and deep mud to complete a 23-mile endurance test and raise nearly £1,000 for church repairs.

Father David Pickett of St Oswald's Church joined other runners and walkers taking part in Rombald's Stride across the moors and valleys around Guiseley on Saturday. And the hardy rector did the whole course dressed as Saint Oswald, patron Saint of the Guiseley Church.

Feeling the pain the following morning, he said: "That was probably one of the toughest things I've ever done, I fell over 22 times and the wet and cold really got to me. I'm really feeling my 50 years today."

But his efforts paid off, with almost £1,000 being donated to the Tower Fund by the congregation at St Oswald's and the Church's My Donate page for the Tower Fund.

The ancient building is in desperate need of £82,000 for repairs and the event was the latest in a series of fundraising events being organised by the Guiseley Church. David Pickett said he was grateful to all the organisers of the event, which is run by 15th Airedale Scouts.