DORSET And Somerset Air Ambulance opens online registration for its Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge 2020 will open on Wednesday (December 4) – and demand for the 600 places available is expected to be high.

Next year sees the 20th anniversary of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) and it will be the charity’s tenth Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge. In the past nine years, it has raised over £563,000.

Based on the approximate cost of a mission equating to £3,000, this means that those who have supported or participated in the event over the years have helped to save or enhance 188 lives.

The challenge, which takes place on May 17, is not designed as a race but involves a mixture of quiet back roads, some very demanding climbs and descents.

There are two different routes and distances, both suitable for all ages and abilities. The 56-mile cycle starts at 11am in the Watchet and a shorter 11-mile route starts at the Royal Oak pub in Drimpton at 2pm. Both finish at West Bay, near Bridport.

There are a number of pit-stops for rest and refreshments along the way.

Participants can enter as an individual or as a team and the charity hopes they will use the opportunity to raise additional funds by asking their family, friends and colleagues to sponsor them.

Online registration will open at 10am on Wednesday via the dsairambulance website’s c2c link where more information can also be found.

Entrance fees are £30 for adults, £10 under 16s.