ALMOST £50,000 was raised for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in its annual coast to coast cycle challenge.

Hundreds of cyclists took part in the race, which raised £46,000 for the charity, which has its headquarters in Wellington.

Participants were given the choice between taking on a tough 55-mile stretch from Watchet Harbour to West Bay, or a less strenuous 11-mile jaunt to the same destination by starting further ahead at Drimpton.

Among the cyclists were a number of former patients who had benefitted first-hand from the care provided by the air ambulance, with others cycling in memory of loved ones who had been helped by the service.

The Watchet Town Crier counted down the cyclists before they set off on the challenge
The Watchet Town Crier counted down the cyclists before they set off on the challenge (George Ody )

The race was commenced following a ten second countdown by Watchet Town Crier, David Milton, with local residents and supporters from further afield lining the streets to see the cyclists off the starting blocks with a cheer.

James Molyneux, aged 11, from Wellington, was the youngest cyclist to take on the 11-mile challenge - with 80-year-olds John Plested and Alan Harris the joint oldest riders taking part.

Crossing the finish line in poll position was Sam Bead from Yeovil, with Emma Fisher of Sherborne the first female rider to cross the line.

The charity, headquartered in Wellington, thanked the hundreds of cyclists who took part in the event. Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Events Officer, praised the efforts of the cyclists and those that were involved in the organisation of the day.

She said: “What an incredible day we had at our annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, everyone who took part should be so proud of what they have achieved. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the cyclists and to everyone who helped to organise the event, including our incredible volunteers and wonderful supporters. Over £46,000 has already been raised for this year’s event which is incredible.

Hundreds of cyclists took part in the challenge
Hundreds of cyclists took part in the challenge (George Ody )

“Each life-saving mission that our crew are tasked to costs approximately £3,500, so we are immensely grateful to everyone for raising vital funds for our charity, so our crew can be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future.

“Our next event is the fantastic 5K Twilight Shift, which takes place at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, July 6. Online registration is open on our website and we would love for you to join us for a 5K run or walk, whilst helping to raise funds for our vital work.”

The air ambulance also extended its thanks to a number of local groups and businesses which supported the event, including the Bicycle Chain, The Bell Inn Creech St Michael, Carly Press Printing, Cotswold First Aid, Garador, Timewise, Glastonbury Spring Water, Hunts Food Group, Ilminster Ambulance Station, DocBike, Keep106 and The Royal Oak Pub Drimpton.

The charity says it operates almost 24-7 - flying missions 19 hours a day, every day, all year - with 95 per cent of all funding provided by charitable giving. Last year alone the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance attended almost 2,500 incidents, with each mission costing around £3,500.