Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance held its 13th annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, witnessing participation from hundreds of cyclists.

The May 18 event included a challenging 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour in Somerset and a shorter 11-mile route starting from the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton, terminating at the picturesque Dorset seaside resort of West Bay.

Bikers included former patients of the air ambulance service, others participating in remembrance of loved ones, for self-challenge, or as a team.

Watchet town crier, David Milton commenced the event with a 10-second countdown.

Support from the public was shown, lining the roads while cheering and clapping the cyclists on their journey and upon their finish.

The day bore witness to countless inspiring stories of courage, resolve and achievements, with many tears shed by families, friends and loved ones.

Although not a race, Sam Beard from Yeovil and Emma Fisher from Sherborne were the first male and female cyclists respectively to reach the finish line.

The oldest participants to complete the strenuous 55-mile route were John Plested from Yeovil and Alan Harris from Weymouth, both at 80.

The youngest entrant was 11-year old Isabel Swancutt from Bridport.

Meanwhile, six-year old Eva Hyde from Fareham and James Molyneux from Wellington were the youngest participants for the 11-mile route.

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."

The next scheduled event for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is the 5K Twilight Shift on July 6 at Henstridge Airfield.

Online registration is now open.

Thanks have been given to all those who supported the event, including 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.