Hundreds of supporters got on their bike to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in the charity's hugely popular Coast to Coast cycle challenge.

The fundraiser returned on September 5 after Covid meant the event had to be cancelled in May 2020 and then postponed in May 2021.

Cyclists took on either the 55-mile route from Watchet to West Bay or the 11-mile route from Drimpton to West Bay.

At 82, Brian Dale was the oldest participant completing the 55-mile route. He said: "This event is wonderful. A couple of the hills were a handful, but fortunately I got towed along at times by some of the groups, which was very handy.

"I took part about four years ago; it really is a brilliant event and everything on the day was perfect."

Rowan Murless, aged 12, cycled alongside his dad, Joseph. He was the youngest participant to complete the 55-mile route. The two youngest cyclists over all were George and Emily Hyde - aged 9 and 11 respectively - who cycled the 11-mile route alongside their dad, Dr Phil Hyde.

The Coast to Coast cycle challenge brings people together and can be an emotional day for many. No more so than Andrew Studley, who had been waiting since 2019 for an operation to remove a brain tumour.

Speaking at the finish line, he said: "On June 1 last year, I was unable to walk after having the operation. This has been a big thing for me; I have trained a bit over the past month and it's my first big ride of the year. When I went through my hometown of Drimpton and saw my mum, dad and girlfriend there, it was super emotional. It was brilliant and I loved it."

Those who took part also included former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand, others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive officer, praised everyone involved.

He said: "This year's event was very special and many of the riders expressed their gratitude to the charity for making it happen.

"Having an event that attracts such an amazing range of people taking part, seems entirely appropriate for a service that is there for anyone who needs us.

"As ever, we are incredibly grateful to all the riders who took on the challenge and to those who sponsored them on their quest. I have to say a huge thank you to the small army of volunteers who made the whole day possible and to our event sponsors, pit stop locations, local councils and the police and ambulance service for their support in helping make the day a success."

Next year, the Coast to Coast challenge will revert back to being held in May. Online registration will open in January via the charity's website.

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