A large fleet of Basildon taxis took 120 children on a day out to the seaside.

About 30 drivers gave up their fares for the day to take the youngsters to Clacton in their orange and white Hackney carriages. The cabs were specially decorated with balloons and streamers for the children.

After a roast dinner at the Royal Hotel the children were then taken to the rides on the pier.

The day finished with a delicious tea followed by a disco.

Pat Jordan and taxi driver husband, Harry, helped organise the event and have raffles throughout the year to raise money for the annual event.

She said: "If you see the children's faces at the end of the day they are absolutely beaming.

"It makes all the effort really worth it and it is an absolutely fantastic day."

We're off - youngsters wave the flag as they set off for a day out in Clacton

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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