PEDDLE power brought around 600 cyclists onto West Somerset roads last weekend for the annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge.

The event, now in its third year, is a major fundraiser for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and involves a 54-ride from Watchet to West Bay in Dorset.

But with the 2013 event basking in sunshine, air ambulance chief executive officer Bill Sivewright, who set the cyclists on their way, described the challenge as "gruelling but glorious".

The cyclists included many from West Somerset, as well as others from across the two counties and beyond.

Some completed a shorter 11-mile route from Drimpton in Dorset which also ended at West Bay.

And many of those were taking part after benefiting from the services of the air ambulance.

Team entries were higher than last year, with groups of people from ambulance stations, cycling and spinning clubs, companies and families and friends joining together to raise funds.

Although the challenge is not billed as a race, the first rider past the post was James Styrin from Bridport, who was taking part in the event for the third time and crossed the line in two hours and 35 minutes.

Although organisers are still counting the proceeds, they hope to better last year's total of £60,000.

"Our Coast to Coast Challenge is currently the only fundraising event we organise in-house," said Mr Sivewright.

"Each year we listen to the event feedback and try to build on the success of the previous year.

"Once again we received many kind comments but perhaps the most satisfying were those that pointed to the friendly and helpful people helping to run things.

"With only a small staff, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance relies on its dedicated volunteers to make events like the Coast to Coast Challenge happen.

"I thank them all for once again stepping up to the plate."

pics - The start of the event at Watchet - hundreds of cyclists head off for the 54-mile journey to Bridport.