SUNDAY'S fifth annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge from Watchet to West Bay was hailed as the best yet by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The event raises thousands of pounds for the air ambulance and saw 553 cyclists take part - 532 tackling the gruelling 54-mile ride to West Bay and a further 21 completed a shorter 11-mile route.

Watchet's town crier David Milton motivated the cyclists with his humour and enthusiasm before they were set on their way by the town mayor Cllr Peter Murphy.

Those taking part included former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand, people cycling in memory of loved ones, as part of a team, or simply as a personal challenge to show their support for the life-saving charity.

Although the event is not a race as such, first over the line, for the second year running, was Matthew Norris from Bridport, and close behind were Minehead duo Steve Toogood and Kevin Watts in sceoind and third places. They were among more than 30 riders from the Minehead and Tanks Direct Cycling clubs who proved a dominant force this year, with locals filling the majority of the first 20 places.

Club riders making their debuts in the event included Rob Wood, Mike Podbury, Nathan Bale, Ian Melhuish and George Reeder, and one of the youngest to take part was Watchet's Will Dibble (aged 11), a member of the Minehead Merlins GoRide Club who showed remarkable stamina to complete the course with his mum Greshna in a little over four hours.

Bill Sivewright, the air ambulance's chief executive completed the route and said afterwards: "Taking part in the event is a really great way to get a good perspective on the organisation and running of the event.

"Mingling with the riders at all stages and getting right into the atmosphere was really uplifting.

"I am full of admiration for all those who pushed themselves, in some cases well beyond their normal limits, to complete the challenge.

"I must also say a huge thank you to all my team; that includes staff, volunteers and those who turned out just to help us on the day. Their incredible hard work, dedication and boundless enthusiasm all fuelled what I believe is our best event to date.

"Our thanks also go to the event sponsors, local councils, police and the ambulance service for their support in helping to make the day such a success."

Last year, the challenge raised omore than £60,000 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

As well as sponsorship of the cyclists, there are two other ways in which donations can be made in support of the event - online via the charity's website http://www.dsairambulance.org.uk">www.dsairambulance.org.uk or by mobile phone by texting COAS05 £5 to 70070.