Video
Watch: East Coast Truckers convoy rumbles on its way to bring delight to disabled and disadvantaged children
The East Coast Truckers driving through Thorpe.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
More than 80 trucks have begun their journey across parts Norfolk and Suffolk in an annual charity event which brings joy to disabled and disadvantaged children.
Crowds have gathered along the route of the 33rd East Coast Truckers convoy, which set off from County Hall in Norwich at 10am today to make its way to Great Yarmouth via Pleasurewood Hills at Lowestoft.
Each truck is carrying a disabled or disadvantaged youngster who will enjoy an afternoon of fun at Pleasurewood Hills as well as enjoying the spectacle of the wellwishers waving to them from various vantage points.
They are due to arrive at Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile at about 6pm.
Ian Mackie, chairman of the East Coast Truckers, said: 'When you see the smiles on the children's faces it does bring a lump to your throat and it shows it has all been worthwhile.
Jake Davison with is mum Michelle watch the The East Coast Truckers driving through Thorpe.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
'We have some big and strong truckers and they do get emotional during the day.'
Most Read
- 1 M&S to close 32 stores as part of move away from town centres
- 2 Every household in the UK to get £400 to help with rising energy bills
- 3 Man dies of collapsed lung after 'busy' hospital meant x-ray was missed
- 4 Where you can see the Red Arrows over Norfolk this weekend
- 5 WATCH: 'Unplayable' delivery from Suffolk bowler goes viral
- 6 'It is a cash cow' - vicar's warning after being slapped with parking fine
- 7 Explained: What the cost of living support package means for you
- 8 Norfolk garden centre wins 27th gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show
- 9 Farmer says cousin's wedding venue will bring 'criminal activity'
- 10 Major road to close for resurfacing works costing £81,000
Approximate timetable for the convoy
10am. Left County Hall, Norwich
The East Coast Truckers driving through Thorpe.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
10.30am - Acle Roundabout
11am - Great Yarmouth (Gapton Hall Roundabout)
11.15am - Gorleston
12pm - Arrive Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park.
5.15pm - Leave Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park.
6pm - Marine Parade (Seafront), Great Yarmouth.
7.45pm - Arrive at County Hall, Norwich.
Recommended observation areas
A47 Blofield McDonalds
Bridge over at Blofield and Acle
Layby opposite the White Horse Pub Horse: There is a wide grass verge.
Acle roundabout and garage: Wide grass verge with roadside barriers.
Vauuxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth: Large grass area well back from the road.
A47 Gapton and Harfreys roundabout: Footpaths and barriers for protection.
Bridge over Harfreys roundabout: Ideal spot.
Area around James Paget University Hospital: Good paths.
Blundeston roundabout: Grass area back from road.
Corton roundabout: North-bound side has large grass areas.
Corton/Lowestoft roundabouts: Grass areas with some barriers.
For the return journey in the evening, as above, plus bridge over A47 at Postwick and two laybys.
These are set well back from the road and provide good views of the returning convoy.
