Hundreds compete in fundraising Dorset Plane Pull at Bournemouth Airport

FUNDRAISERS exceeded their maximum weight limits as they took part in a plane pull at Bournemouth Airport.

Hundreds of charity backers formed some 21 teams to compete in the 15th annual Dorset Plane Pull on Monday (26th) to raise money for 15 charities.

The teams competed to pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 - the equivalent of seven elephants - over a 50-metre distance.

Trophies were awarded to three teams for the best fancy dress, best team name and the fastest pull time.

This year's victors were team ‘Tele Tuggies’, raising funds for the Kirsty Louise Streek Foundation, who managed to complete the challenge in just 29.47 seconds.

Charity Dreamflight and their team ‘Alan’s Superheroes’ took the best fancy dress title with their team of 20 in superhero-inspired costumes.

Winning the best team name title was ‘No Leg Room Needed’ who were raising funds for BLESMA, the limbless veterans' charity.

Besides the plane pull there was live entertainment, food, drink and charity stalls, plus activities for youngsters including face-painting, inflatables and a science experiment tent, a new addition for this year.

During the event, co-founder Richard Griffin said: “We are delighted to be here once again and to see the return of many regular charities as well as some newcomers. Over 400 people have enrolled to take on this unique challenge.”

Co-founder Kyrie Griffin added: “It’s a brilliant community day. There’s a bit of competitiveness which is all in the spirit of raising money for charity.

“A massive thank you to everyone for all their support, to all the businesses, volunteers and charities.”

Since its inception in 2009, the event has raised more than £304,000 for a range of charities, including the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Dreamflight and MYTIME Young Carers, and more locally based charities such as Helpful Hounds, Julia’s House, John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and Forest Holme Hospice.

The Boeing 737 used on the day was provided by local aviation firm European Aviation.

Plans for a 2025 return are already in motion and organisers say more details will follow in the coming months. For more information visit planepull.co.uk