HUNDREDS of people flexed their muscles to raise thousands of pounds for charity at the annual Dorset Plane Pull event.

Organisers hope the 10th annual event will see the amount raised in a decade top the £150,000 mark.

The unique fund raiser sees teams of 20 people attempt to pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 50 metres.

This year's event saw a staggering 35 teams enter, raising money for 18 charities.

It took place at Bournemouth Airport where all participants and spectators also enjoyed children's entertainment, music and refreshments.

The first time the Dorset Plane Pull was held it raised money for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF)and a Motor Neurone Disease charity.

Since then the number of charities has increased.

The JTYAF was set up in memory of John Thornton, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008. So far it has raised more than half a million pounds to provide opportunities for young people to fulfil their ambitions in life.

John's dad, Pete, took part in the plane pull as usual and said it is one of his favourite events of the year.

"I usually end up pulling for a few different teams if they don't have enough people" he said. "It is a very sociable event so even though each team has a time slot, they usually end up staying all day and cheering each other on."

Some of this year's teams were set up by individuals and others were representing businesses from across the area.

Pete added: "In recent years those taking part have been able to raise money for a charity of their choice."

Charities benefitting from the event are Amelia's Rainbow, Charcot-Marie0Tooth UK, Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, Dorset Mind, Dreamflight, Ed Kent Trust, Homestart, Isabel Baker Foundation, Jon Egging Trust, JTYAF, Julia's House, Macmillan Caring Locally, Motor Neurone Disease Association, ovaturient International, Parkinson's UK, Poole Hospital Charity, Steve Bernard Foundation and Unicef.