MORE than 600 cyclists took to the streets of the west Dorset yesterday for a Coast to Coast Challenge in aid of the air ambulance services.

Crowds gathered in the baking sunshine at West Bay to welcome the riders as they completed the gruelling 54-mile course from Watchet Harbour in Somerset.

This was the sixth annual edition of the challenge, organised to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

As well as more polished cyclists, there were some charming sights, such as a father and daughter team arriving on a tandem bike.

The air ambulance helicopter itself paid a visit to the assembled crowds, allowing people to meet members of the crew and get up close and personal with the cockpit of the life-saving aircraft.

"The event has been an amazing success so far," said Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising co-ordinator Leanne Colverson.

"There are lots of crowds gathered to cheer them on, which is amazing.

"We are hoping to smash the £64,000 we raised last year."

Graham Farrington had dropped six members of team Cycle Somerset at the Watchet starting line and was waiting at the finish to see them return.

He said: "It is a nice day and it's a lovely day out.

"The locals are so friendly and it is a nice route.

"As a cyclist, the air ambulance is the charity you want to support."

Holidaymaker Mike Vinnicombe, who was visiting West Bay, said that he thought the challenge was "brilliant".

He added: "It's fantastic. I used to do this 50 odd years ago. and I think it is marvellous.

"I think the people are friendly and we are lucky with the weather."

Cyclists of all abilities took part in this year's Coast to Coast Challenge, which had a staggered start to accommodate for skill level.

More able riders set off from Watchet at 11am, followed by other riders at 11.15am.

A shorter route, spanning 11 miles, left the Royal Oak in Drimpton at 2pm, also finishing in the same location at West Bay.

Donations to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be made at dsairambulance.org.uk