A CALL is being made for spectators to support the Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge as it sets off from Watchet tomorrow (Sunday May 14).

It is the seventh annual C2C organised by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and 600 cyclists are taking part.

And, for the first time, the cyclists 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 ride starts at Watchet harbour and follows a scenic route through the Somerset and Dorset countryside to the finish at West Bay.

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.

The cyclists include patients who have experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand and those who take part in memory of a loved one. Others get involved as part of a team or simply want to challenge themselves and support the charity in return.

The air ambulance crew taking part will cycle the 54-mile route on triplet bicycles. The team, called the Coastbusters, has been training for the event at Henstridge airbase.

In a bid to raise £2,500 and fund one life-saving mission, the team has set up a JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/dsaa-coastbusters where donations of any size can be made. Mobile phone users can donate by texting CREW54 £5 to 70070. Every penny raised really will make a big difference.

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.

“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.

"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!”