Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced that registration is now open for this year's Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, with the course finishing at West Bay.

This ever-popular event will take place on Sunday, April 23. It is not designed as a race and involves cycling through some of Dorset and Somerset's most beautiful countryside.

With a mixture of quiet back roads, interspersed with some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, the event has something to offer for everyone!

There are several pit-stops along the route, which provide a well-earned rest and refreshments for those that want it.

As ever, there are 600 places and two routes available; a 55-mile route which starts at Watchet harbour in Somerset at 10.30am and finishes in West Bay, and a shorter 11-mile route, which starts at the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton at 2pm, and also finishes in West Bay.

Participants can enter as an individual or as a team and the charity is asking anyone who is fortunate enough to gain a place, to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.

Entrance fees are £35 for adults and £15 for under 16s.

Sign up and register by visiting www.dsairambulance.org.uk/c2c

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said: "We can't wait to see everyone again at this year's Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge.

"The event which has been running since 2011, is absolutely fabulous and the atmosphere amongst the cyclists and those who support them at the start, en-route and at the finishing line is incredible.

"It's a truly emotional day to be involved with. That's no surprise, given the fact that in the past the cyclists have consisted of patients who have experienced the work of our service first-hand, those who are cycling in memory of loved ones or those who simply want to challenge themselves and support the charity in return.

"We really hope that everyone who gains a place will use this as an opportunity to help us raise as much as possible by encouraging their family and friends to sponsor them."

The Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge is the first of three events being organised by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance during 2023.

An ultra-cycling challenge with three different distances is planned for June and the 5K Twilight Shift will once again be held during September.