WATCH: 2022 Dorset Plane Pull event at Bournemouth Airport

The Dorset Plane Pull returned on bank holiday Monday, August 29, with hundreds of people coming together for the 13th year of the event.

A large supportive crowd of spectators watched on along with the volunteers as teams put their best forward to haul the large aircraft along the tarmac., volunteers and, of course, pullers all attending.

The challenge is simple, pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 for a distance of 50 metres as quickly as possible to raise money for a chosen charity. 

Twenty-six teams made up of 20 people each took part in raising money for 19 different charities.

Since 2009 a total of 36 charities have benefited from the £225,000 raised. 

Kyrie Griffin, event and applications manager and founder of the event, said: "The event is a unique day and a great way to raise money for different charities. 

"Last year we had a successful year with 19 teams taking part. This year we have 26 so it's nice to have more and we hope to raise as much as we can today for the charities."

Members of the team who pulled for Dorset Children's Foundation

Kyrie added: "The challenge is hard work, the best time to date to pull the plane was around 30 seconds which was a rugby team.

"Lots of teams do it in fancy dress and are not too worried about times, it's all about raising money and having a good day."

The fastest time at the 2022 Dorset Plane Pull was 30.10 seconds by Team Dreamflight from the Dreamflight charity.

The best team name was Air Forest One from Forest Holme Hospice and the best fancy dress was Alan's Superheroes from Dreamflight.

The first team to take on the challenge was JKHouse Training Centre who were pulling for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, a charity formed in memory of Lieutenant John Thornton who was killed in Afghanistan whilst serving with the Royal Marines.

JKHouse Training Centre, pulling for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation

Clare Frost, who was pulling for John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, said: "My husband is ex-military and I think it's a great cause. 

"I took part in the pull last year where we came last, so hopefully we can beat last year's time. My son and my husband will also be pulling with me."

Participants young and old took to the tarmac to take on the monster challenge.

Karina Gegg, took part in the event for the first time, in aid of University Hospitals Dorset. 

She said: "I'm feeling very anxious ahead of the pull, but I think the team can pull it through, excuse the pun.

"It's a great cause and I'm excited to be taking part."

Other charities with teams this year included Dorset Mind, Helpful Hounds and Teddy 20.