BRUTE force and team work were the name of the game at the annual Dorset Plane Pull.

Hundreds of people turned out for the massive fundraiser at Bournemouth Airport on Bank Holiday Monday.

In total, 16 teams took their turns on the ropes, pulling a Boeing 737 a distance of 50 metres over the apron at European Skybus.

And if pulling the plane wasn’t enough to exhaust the hardy volunteers, a prize for the fastest pull of the 35,000 kg plane was rewarded to the speediest group.

With teams from Dorset Vegan, Hays Travel, Curtiss Wright, MK Estates, John Thornton Young Achievers and many more, all the fundraisers were cheered on by spectators and charity representatives. And as a special surprise for visitors, the RAF Typhoon Display Team were also in attendance.

Two Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were stationed at the site throughout the day along with Flt Lt Mark Long and the team, answering questions and giving special tours of the aircraft in return for donations.

Richard Griffin, one of the organisers, said: “This has been one of the best events we have held in terms of the number of people here.

“The weather and the draw of the Typhoon team has meant we’ve had a great day.

“As ever, we have to give our thanks to all the businesses and volunteers who have helped.

“All the teams are being incredibly competitive, with the reigning champions also here trying to hold onto their title”, he added.

Organisers hope the event, now in its eighth year, will raise enough to take their total funds to more than £100,000.

This year the event is supporting 11 charities including Royal Bournemouth Hospital, the Isabel Baker Foundation, New Forest Night Stop and Meningitis UK.

The event has benefited a number of charities ranging from large national organisations such as the Motor Neurone Disease Association to local charities such as the Margaret Green Animal Rescue.