Huge crowds lined Marine Parade as Great Yarmouth welcomed the East Coast Truckers' convoy this evening.

The annual Children's Convoy arrived at the resort at around 6pm, on its return leg from Pleasurewood Hills to Norwich.

A cacophony of horns signalled the arrival of the 84 lorry cabs, which had ferried children with special needs on an exciting day out to the theme park.

And spectators said the truckers should be praised for their good work.

Richard Wass, a security guard from Yarmouth, turned out to the event with his grandchildren Jasmine, six and Jack, nine.

The 51-year-old said: 'I've been coming down to see the East Coast Truckers since it started because I enjoy the atmosphere.

'It's good to see young children with smiles on their faces and I salute the guys who organise it.

'I hope it goes on for many years to come.'

The annual event, now in its 27th year, has established a popular following, with families turning out along the route to see the spectacle.

Teacher Amanda Balls stood with her family near to Britannia Pier to see the convoy roll past.

The 30-year-old, of Yarmouth, said: 'My stepson has special needs and I support the fact they take them out for a nice day.

'It's great for the holidaymakers as well.'

Police motorbike riders high-fived youngsters as they drove past, before the trucks arrived.

One banner in the crowd read 'East Coast Truckers you all deserve a gold', and emergency services got into the spirit of the honking horns by sounding their sirens.

The convoy had passed Gapton Hall earlier in the day on its way to Pleasurewood Hills.

And Michael Harvey and his wife Linda took their one-year-old grandson Alfie there to wave the convoy through.

The Bradwell engineer said: 'He doesn't know much about it, but he's a car man and loves anything to do with motors!

'We've been several times and it's an annual event for us now.'