A CHARITY is urging the public to support 600 cyclists taking part in a coast to coast ride this weekend.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding its seventh annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge on Sunday (14).

The event, which is not a race, will see cyclists taking on a 54-mile ride from Watchet Harbour in Somerset and finishing at West Bay following a scenic route through the Somerset and Dorset countryside.

A staggered start will see the stronger cyclists set off first at 11am with the less experienced riders departing at 11.15am. A shorter 11-mile route starts at the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton at 2pm and also finishes at West Bay.

Last year’s event raised more than £81,000, including gift aid, for the life-saving charity. With only 600 places available, the event sold out within 11 hours of on-line registration being open.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive officer, said: “Our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge is a fantastic occasion and the atmosphere is incredible. "The fact that members of our crew are taking part this year makes the event even more special. They are incredible ambassadors of the charity and I’m sure it will be an extremely emotional day all round- the aches and pains will definitely be worthwhile."

He added: "Every year the event seems to get better and that is mainly due to the wonderful team of volunteers, members of the public and local businesses who help us with marshalling and keeping the cyclists safe.

“Our thanks go to the event sponsors and the various pit stop locations along the route, without their help and support, we simply could not put on such a large scale event.

“Finally, a very big thank you to all the cyclists taking part who are encouraging their friends and family to sponsor them. Let’s hope the weather stays fine and we raise as much as possible and make this the best Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge yet.”

This year, for the first time, the cyclists who were fortunate in gaining a place, will be joined by members of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew who are set to cycle the 54 mile route on triplet bicycles.

The team, who call themselves the Coastbusters, have been training for the event at their Henstridge airbase and are hoping the public will get behind them and show their support.

In a bid to raise £2,500 and fund one life-saving mission, the team have set up a JustGiving page at justgiving.com/dsaa-coastbusters where donations of any size can be made. Mobile phone users can easily donate by texting CREW54 £5 to 70070.