A cavalcade of more than thirty eye-catching American car models headed off from Norwich yesterday morning to raise awareness of an East Anglian charity.

It was the first time the charity Retro Run had taken place and the procession set off from Zaks American diner in Poringland at 11.45am.

Youngsters and families supported by East Anglian Children's Hospices (EACH) were guests of honour at the classic car event and waved off the procession which featured chrome-laden models from the 1950s as well as modern day cars and trucks.

The calvacade made its way across the county eventually reaching Kelling Heath Holiday Park, near Holt, in the afternoon in time for its annual Retro Weekend.

Ian Hacon, chief executive of Blue Sky Leisure which owns both Zaks and Kelling Heath, said, 'We have a Retro Weekend at Kelling Heath Holiday Park each year, but introducing a retro run this time round seemed like a good way of involving EACH and the families it supports.

'We knew the children would love the chance to see so many of these incredible cars in one place, so it made absolute sense to make them the official starters and treat them and their families to a free lunch at the same time. It's great to see so many smiling faces.'

Vehicle owner and event co-ordinator Malcolm Toll was pleased with the turnout. He said: 'EACH is a very worthwhile charity, so it was a pleasure to get involved. It's nice to be able to help make a difference.'

The children and their families also got the chance to meet and chat to the owners, sit in the cars, and have their pictures taken, before enjoying food at the restaurant.

Blue Sky Leisure chose EACH as its partner charity at the beginning of the year.

The charity supports families and provides care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

Danielle Gravestock, EACH Norfolk fundraiser, said: 'We are always grateful of the support we receive from our corporate partners, especially when they go the extra mile to arrange days like this where the children get the chance to experience something new'