Inaugural Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Twilight Shift

Many participants wore fancy dress, while experienced runners carried extra weight on their backs.

Among those taking part were off-duty crew members, former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand and people remembering loved ones.

Husband and wife Owen and Rachel Astington, from Montacute, were first across the finish line, while at 73 Alan Hardy (pictured below), a volunteer with the charity from Wellington, was the oldest person to complete the challenge, carrying a 17.5k weighted bag.

Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance (Image: Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance)

Youngest participants were six-year-olds Grace Hetherington and Isabel Parsons.

And Issy Jarrett, who broke both feet and an arm in a road traffic incident last October, tackled the course 'to give something back after being airlifted to hospital by the air ambulance.

Her mum, Angela, who accompanied her over the 5k, said: "We both really enjoyed the event.

"Issy was in a car accident last year, so it’s the first time that she has been able to run for 11 months.

"There have been some ups and downs along the way, but she’s made a fantastic recovery and we really wanted to thank the crew who helped her on the day."

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager praised the efforts of the participants and everyone involved in organising the day.

Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance (Image: Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance)

She said: "We all had such a wonderful time.

"We were over the moon that so many people came to support the event - thank you to all of you.

"It was our first year and we know that The 5k Twilight Shift will now become an annual event and we are already planning the next one in 2023."

Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance (Image: Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance)