A VICAR'S quest for people to spend more than a penny has paid off, after raising £3,000 towards two toilets for his churches.

The Rev Eric Petrie, vicar of Salwarpe and Martin Hussingtree, covered between 40 to 60 miles a day when he cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats.

The money raised brings his total to £9,000, which has been raised through quizzes and other events.

It will pay for toilets at Salwarpe's Grade II Listed St Michael's Church, as well as the Grade I Listed 13th Century St Michael and all Angels in Martin Hussingtree.

The 49-year-old vicar, who is also the chaplain for West Mercia Constabulary and lives in Salwarpe, decided to raise money for toilets after desperate visitors attending weddings, christenings or funeral were left inconvenienced because his churches had no lavatories.

Mr Petrie, who last rode his bike 20 years ago, cycled 996 miles in just under three weeks.

People he came across on his travels were really friendly, and offered him free drinks as well as donations for his toilets.

Apart from gashing his leg on a bolt as he was dashing over a road in Inverness, he said the journey was a success.

"I'm really pleased so far with the money raised," said Mr Petrie, a father-of-two.

"I met some wonderful people all over the place. They were so generous and kind."

Mr Petrie said residents of Worcestershire had also been extrememly generous, including regulars in a Malvern pub who donated £50 from a whip-round.

The two environmentally friendly loos, which are estimated to cost a total of around £120,000, will allow the churches to open for activities like concerts, young people's activities and village clubs.

People can donate money towards the fund by ringing 01905 778757.