HUNDREDS of fundraisers flexed their muscles and took the strain as the Dorset Plane Pull event returned to Bournemouth Airport .

Twenty teams of 20 people took on the challenge of trying to pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 an eye-watering 50 metres as quickly as possible.

The event, now in its fourth year, has already raised more than £26,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

And the fundraising total will soar to even greater heights once the money from yesterday’s event rolls in. It will once again benefit the two original charities, along with Julia’s House, DEBRA and the Lewis-Manning Hospice.

A crew from Sunseeker, taking part in the challenge for the third successive year, were the first to step up to the mark. They unsuccessfully battled with the Boeing for several minutes before it was established the plane was sitting in a slight dip and pretty much immoveable.

Once this small problem was rectified, the team wasted no more time and hauled the plane along the course in an impressive 35 seconds.

Marcus Castleman, of the Sunseeker team, said: “Our aim is to beat Castle Cover, they are our main rivals. Thirty five seconds is not too bad but the problems at the start took quite a lot out of us.”

Unfortunately, they were out of luck as reigning champions Castle Cover completed the pull in 31.5 seconds to hang on to the coveted title. They were followed by a team from Cross Fit, with a time of 34.2 seconds.

Adding a touch of glamour to the occasion were a group of ladies from Polz Apart, the pole dancing and aerial fitness school. One of just two all-women teams taking part on the day, they were pleased with their time of around one minute and four seconds.

Zea Lann said: “We like a challenge and this seemed like good fun. We’re proud of ourselves now but absolutely shattered – it’s a lot harder than it looks.”

And flight lieutenant Jonny Dean was leading a combined team from Poole and Ferndown air cadets. He said: “Everyone was really keen to take part, there were no problems finding enough recruits. We’ve been looking forward to it.”

Richard Griffin organised the event, along with Peter Feltham, Carl Feltham and Chris Burman. He said: “It’s an original event and it’s different. I think people like that and the fact that this is not an event run by a big company, it is done by individuals, it’s a family thing.”

He thanked Titan Airways, who provided the plane, European Skybus, the airport and all who have supported the event over the years.