HUNDREDS of cyclists saddled up to take part in the 9th annual Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge.

A total of 571 cyclists turned out on the day with 549 taking on the gruelling 54-mile ride from Watchet Harbour in Somerset to West Bay.

A further 22 completed the shorter 11-mile route which started at Drimpton and also ended in West Bay.

An electric atmosphere built up at West Bay as friends, families and colleagues arrived to support those taking part.

Crowds gathered across the course of the race, cheering and clapping as the cyclists rode past.

Some of those in the event were air ambulance patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand.

Others cycled in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge to show their support for the charity or as a team.

Stories of courage and determination came not only from those taking part, but the crowd.

In February, Sue Lamb suffered a heart attack in the early hours of the morning.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance attended her incident and she was eventually flown to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

She came to the event to thank the charity and everyone who was taking part and fundraising.

Together with her granddaughter Sienna, they stood holding handmade placards stating how the air ambulance had saved Sue’s life.

Chris Land, joined this year by his son Alex, has taken part in the challenge for the last eight years.

His son Justin passed away in 2011 and although the air ambulance could not save his life, they managed to get his heart beating.

This enabled his organs to be donated to five people, four of whom are still alive today thanks to this.

CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Bill Siveright said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the riders who took on the challenge and those who sponsored them on their quest.”

Due to operational commitments, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance AW169 helicopter and critical care team could not make an appearance on the day.

Last year’s challenge raised over £62,000.

Prizes will be presented later in the year when all funds are received for adults, under 16s and teams.