600 CYCLISTS are gearing up to take part in the annual Dorset and Somerset Coast to Coast (C2C) this Sunday, (May 17).

The event, which is not a race, involves a challenging 54 mile cycle ride which starts at Watchet Harbour and ends at West Bay in Dorset.

This is the fifth year and a staggered start will mean that the stronger cyclists will set off first at 11.00am and the less experienced cyclists will depart at 11.15am.

A shorter 11 mile route starts at the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton at 2.00pm, also finishing at West Bay.

Last year’s event saw cyclists of all ages and abilities take part, raising over £60,000 for the life-saving charity.

Supporters will be able to encourage the cyclists’ on-route or at one of the four allocated pit-stops located at Bishops Lydeard Football Club, Creech St Michael, Ilminster Ambulance Station and the Royal Oak public house in Drimpton.

Finish line celebrations will take place at East Beach Car Park in West Bay where cyclists are expected to start arriving from around 2.00pm.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive officer said: “We are delighted that this event is so well supported and it seems to get better year on year.

"The atmosphere amongst the cyclists and those who support them at the start, en-route and at the finishing point is incredible.

"This is our fifth year in the saddle and we are hoping it will be the best C2C Cycle Challenge yet.

“Our thanks go to our wonderful team of volunteers, members of the public and local businesses who are helping with marshalling and helping to keep cyclists safe.

Thanks are also due to the event sponsors, without their help, we simply could not put on such a large scale event.”

You can support the event by making donations by visiting dsairambulance.org.uk or by texting: COAS05 £5 to 70070

For more information about the air ambulance, visit dsairambulance.org.uk or call 01823-669604.