A LIFE-SAVING charity has praised the efforts of former patients, their families and other community members who have collectively raised more than £46,000 in an annual cycling event.

For the 13th year running, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, held its Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge.

Hundreds of cyclists took part either completing the challenging 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour in Somerset to West Bay or a shorter 11-mile route to West Bay which started at the Royal Oak in Drimpton.

Many participants were former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand while others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team.

Isabel Swancutt, 11, from Bridport, pictured below, was the youngest participant in the event while Alan Harris, 80, from Weymouth was the joint oldest along with John Plested from Yeovil.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Members of the public lined the roads in support, cheering and clapping the cyclists as they set off, at the various pit stops along the route and at the finish line celebrations.

Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising events officer, 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

"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."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Donation from Bridport Round Table at Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge

The charity's next fundraising event will be the 5K Twilight Shift which takes place at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, July 6.

People can either run or walk the 5km run or walk and online registration is open on the charity's website: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/5k-twilight-shift