ONLINE registration for a brand new fund-raising event for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) closes on Monday (June 5).

‘Race from the Base’ is an ultra-cycling challenge taking place next Saturday (June 10) with all routes starting and finishing at the air ambulance’s Henstridge Airfield, near Sherborne.

The challenge has three different distances – 30 km (The Circuit), 60 km (The Cruise), and 100 km (The Climb).

Although online entries will stop on Monday, the charity will continue to accept manual registrations on the actual day of the races.

The event starts at 9.30 am for those undertaking the 100 km route, followed by a 10.30 am start for the 60 km, and 11.30 am for those taking on the 30 km.

There will also be an array of fun-filled activities and stalls within the ‘Basecamp Village’ located at the airfield.

The charity is also inviting the public to go along and show their support.

Henstridge Airfield Café will be open, where food and drink will be available, or people can take along a picnic and just sit and soak up the atmosphere.

Entrance is free, although optional donations to the life-saving charity will be welcomed.

DSAA fund-raising manager Emma Jones said: “We are so excited to be holding this brand-new event to raise funds for the charity.

“It is shaping up to be not only one of the best cycle challenges in the South West, but also a big family event.

“Everyone wants to see where our life-saving crew are based, so having a cycle challenge that starts and finishes at our airbase is simply fantastic.

“With three distances to choose from, cyclists of all abilities can take part.

“We cannot wait for next week and hope that you will join us for this special event.”

Race entrance fees for adults are £25 (30km), £35 (60km), and £40 (100km), while for under-16s the rates are £10 (30km) and £15 (60km), with the 100 km distance not open to youngsters. All children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Online registration can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/race-from-the-base and more information can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or calling 01823 669604.

More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting its website www.dsairambulance.org.uk.