A VILLAGE headteacher is to join an epic cycle ride attempting to visit every school in the Moorland Federation in a single day to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).

The ride will cover about 53 miles of rural Exmoor roads to reach all eight of the federation’s schools.

Jon Moise-Souch is head of Langford Budville Primary School, which is part of the federation and where the December 2 ride is scheduled to finish.

He is joining Dunster First School’s Paul James and Lucy Walker-Blair, of St Dubricius First School, Porlock, for the ride.

Mr Moise-Souch said: “We wanted to do something that both raises funds and awareness.

“Our children are so excited to be part of this, from designing posters and banners to holding mini fund-raisers in each school.”

The challenge is part of a federation ‘Heads Up for Air Rescue’ fund-raising drive to support the charity, which provides an essential emergency response across Somerset.

Federation chief operating officer Lizi Pravato said: “Having recently witnessed first-hand the incredible work of the air ambulance team in our local area, we wanted give something back, raising awareness and vital funds for this life-saving service that supports so many of our families and communities.

“The Moorland Federation has always placed community at the heart of its ethos.

“This challenge is a wonderful reflection of what our federation stands for, teamwork, community, and courage

“It is a chance for us to come together to make a difference and say thank you to a service we value greatly.

“This event will bring together pupils, staff, and families from across the federation, as well as our wider communities, in a shared effort to give back and celebrate teamwork.

“They will be cheered on every pedal of the way by our amazing pupils as they take on this epic route across Exmoor and West Somerset.

“Every penny raised will go directly to the air ambulance, helping this incredible team continue their life-saving work across West Somerset and Exmoor.

“Please, only give what you can afford, every contribution, large or small, will make a real difference.”

Mr James said: “The air ambulance team carry out incredible work across West Somerset.

“For many of our families, their service is not only vital but life saving.

“Living and working in such a rural area means response times and access can be challenging but the air ambulance is always there when we need them most.”

Mrs Walker-Blair said: “DSAA provides life-saving, pre-hospital critical care, to patients in need.

“They are a vital part of the community across Dorset and Somerset and they rely on your support.

“Last year, they were tasked to 2,954 incidents, with each mission costing approximately £3,500.”

The ride will start in Porlock and follow a route to Dunster, Timberscombe, Cutcombe, Exford, Dulverton Junior and All Saints Schools, finishing in Langford Budville.

The cyclists can be supported via a JustGiving page and are already more than half-way to their £500 target.