CHAMPION cyclist Lauren Booth got on her bike to show her support for Wiltshire Air Ambulance alongside hundreds of others on Sunday.

Chippenham schoolgirl Lauren, 16, who is a charity ambassador for the air ambulance and rode for 45 miles, was joined by supporter John Phillips, 73, from Semington who took on a 12 mile route in memory of his daughter Michelle, who died in a car accident in Devon 13 years ago. Mr Phillips cycled on the mountain bike that Michelle used.

He said: "It’s the first time I have taken part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel and I enjoyed it. Michelle loved Wiltshire Air Ambulance and over the years my wife, Sandra, and I have raised over £15,400 for the charity in Michelle’s memory. You never know when you might need the services of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”

People had the choice of three routes of 12, 45 or 100 miles at the Wiltshire Big Wheel ride which started and finished on The Green, Devizes and coincided with the end of National Air Ambulance Week.

For those who preferred baking to cycling there was the chance to be involved in Bake Off for Lift Off during the week and a Great Big Teddy Bears' Picnic was held on The Green on Sunday with paramedic bear mascot Wilber the star guest.

Kenresa Stratford, fundraising and events co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “This has been a truly memorable Air Ambulance Week for us.

"Bake Off for Lift Off has proved very popular and people have been busy in their kitchens baking cakes and holding cake sales. Our Great Big Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sunday was a great success and we’d like to thank Haydens Bakery, based in Devizes, for sponsoring it.

“As well as enjoying lots of cake, our supporters also got on their bikes to take part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel cycle ride. We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the Wiltshire Big Wheel and Bake Off for Lift Off and raised funds for us. Their superb efforts will help us to keep flying and saving lives.”

The cycle rides, which attracted 340 people, were organised by Bike Events which kept the entry fees but sponsorship money went to the air ambulance. Final figures raised will not be known for some time.