A TRUCKER from Wisbech has expressed his pride at being part of a convoy of lorries that raised more than �10,000 for disadvantaged children in East Anglia.

Dave Sumner joined 100 other truckers in the 25th East Coast Truckers’ Charity Children’s Convoy that travelled from Norwich to the seafront in Great Yarmouth.

Each driver took a disadvantaged child on the journey, which detours to Pleasurewood Hills, to give them a special day and raise money to help improve the lives of less fortunate youngsters across the region.

“I get choked up to see how happy the children are,” said Mr Sumner.

“I love to see the smiles on the children’s faces during the day. They are so loving. They smile and laugh the whole way and it really makes you feel like you’re giving something back to society.

“It’s just so special to make somebody’s day.”

Mr Sumner drove 14-year-old Kylie Ellis, who is 95 per cent blind and in a wheelchair, along the route.

Many members of the public lined the streets to cheer the convoy throughout their journey. Star Wars fans from Norwich also dressed up to entertain the children at Pleasurewood Hills during the fun-filled day.

The charity holds a number of other events throughout the year to raise further funds but the convoy is considered as one of its most popular fundraisers.

Mr Sumner thanked Tony Knowles of Knowles Transport in Wimblington for providing a lorry for the event after joining the company only five days before it was held.

The exact total that was raised is unclear because donations are still being received.

Visit www.eastcoasttruckers.org for further details about the organisation.