Cliff Richard was nowhere in sight but the double decker bus was when a mum decided to take her son on a birthday treat with a difference.

Bus driver, Hillary Sprigg, created her very own version of the hit 60s film Summer Holiday when she took her son, Richard, and his friends on a day trip to celebrate his 16th birthday.

The destination was Colchester as Mrs Sprigg, of Tiberius Gardens, Witham, took the wheel of the bus to chauffeur her son and his friends to Leisureworld.

Mrs Sprigg is used to driving young people around as she normally drives the school run for pupils attending Great Baddow High School, Chelmsford.

She said: "I am on half-term holiday this week so I thought it would be a nice thing to do. It's a bit of a novelty for them.

"I thought it would be good for them to sit on the top deck while I drove - that way they could have their own little party on the way there."

Richard, who had his birthday yesterday, studies at Witham's Bramston School.

He said: "It's a bit different to be chauffeured around on a double decker bus. I was quite pleased when mum said she would take us out as it saves on the bus fare!"

(Left and right) Birthday on the move - Hillary Spriggs takes her son Richard on a trip to Colchester, with friends Robert Longman, Dean Wisely, Sam Saaley, Daniel Arber and Chris Brewster.

Pictures: SEANA HUGHES

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