A pilot, paramedics and patients joined in a charity cycle to raise more than £12,000 for Surrey Air Ambulance.

The double 100 bike challenge saw 80 cyclists ride 100miles across Surrey, Kent, East and West Sussex, starting and finishing at the helicopter base in Dunsfold.

Chief Pilot, Captain Steve Wood, and critical care paramedics Justin Carding and Stu Plumbley were among the riders taking part to raise money for the life-saving charity.

They were also joined by former patients Jim Gilbourne and Darren Cooper, who were both airlifted to hospital following separate road traffic collisions three years ago.

Air Ambulance Initiative Development Fundraiser Corinne Hitching said: “It was a fantastic first challenge event that we organised and I would like to thank everyone who took part.

“We hope this will become an annual fundraising event and more cyclists will join us next year.”

Those not taking part in the challenge had the opportunity to cycle around the nearby Top Gear track at the event on July 3.