Hundreds of children from disadvantaged backgrounds will be treated to a daytrip to the seaside thanks to generous taxi drivers donating their time and services.

The annual event now in its 90th year is run by the London Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children.

In the past, youngsters have been ferried by a convoy of taxis decorated in balloons to Legoland in Windsor and Woburn Safari Park in Milton Keynes.

This years’ outing, which will take place on Thursday, July 12, will see more than 100 brightly decorated cabs whisk the boys and girls to Southend-on-Sea in Essex, with a police escort.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Cabbie Steve Pulham, who has taken part in the event 15 times, said: “I get a great deal of satisfaction out of helping, knowing that some of these children have far more difficult backgrounds than people realise.”

“Some have troubled family lives, illnesses or disabilities.”

He added: “It can be exhausting, as it’s a big responsibility to look after these children for the day, but it’s extremely humbling too.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“Everyone has such fun and seeing the children’s faces is enough reward for me.”

The group will set off from Sainsbury’s carpark in Hall Lane, Chingford, at 9.30am and arrive in Southend at 11.30am.

After lunch at Cliffs Pavilion, the children will be shuttled to Adventure Island, where they will have a few hours to enjoy the exhilarating rides.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The group will be entertained with a disco in the afternoon before setting off for Chingford where they will arrive back at 7.30pm.

Michael Son of LTFUC said: “This is the 90th annual outing and we are very proud at reaching this milestone and of the charity’s achievements to date.

“The purpose of this day is to get the children out enjoying themselves, away from their usual environment.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“The taxi drivers all give up their time for free but say it is worth it just to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they travel in convoy to the seaside and spend an afternoon at Adventure Island enjoying the rides."

If you are a taxi driver and can volunteer to transport children to Southend on Thursday, click here