AFTER the overwhelming response last year, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is encouraging supporters to sign up early for its Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge 2014.

Only 600 places are available for the event on Sunday May 18, which starts from Watchet.

The C2C, which is not a race, offers two different routes and distances. For those who like a challenge, the main 54-mile cycle ride from Watchet finishes at West Bay, near Bridport.

With a mixture of quiet back roads, the route has some demanding climbs and hairy descents.

For those who do not want to cycle that far, there is an 11-mile route which begins at Drimpton in Dorset and also finishes at West Bay.

Last year, all 600 places were taken up and cyclists of all ages and abilities raised over £60,000 for the life-saving charity.

There were more team entries than in previous years, not only from cycling clubs but from companies, organisations, families and friends, all coming together to raise funds.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive officer Bill Sivewright said: "Our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge is currently the only fundraising event we organise in-house.

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

"A number of eager supporters spotted that our online registration went live just before Christmas and we are pleased to say that we have made a great start to entries.

"As we have done previously, we are restricting our numbers to 600 cyclists. This is in order to keep the event as safe as possible but also to encourage all standards of cyclists to take part without fear of being overcrowded.

"We are really looking forward to this year's event and hope that everyone that enters will once again encourage their family and friends to sponsor them in a bid to make this the best Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge yet."

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has attended more than 9,700 emergencies since its launch in March 2000. It receives no direct Government or National Lottery funding and relies on the generosity of the public and events like C2C for support.

Anyone wishing to enter should complete online registration via the website http://www.dsairambulance.org.uk">www.dsairambulance.org.uk. For more information call 01823 669604 or email [email protected]">[email protected].

Entry fees are £15 for adults and £7.50 for under 16s.