Visitors to the Forum were kings of the road on Saturday when they had the chance to meet the people behind the wheels of the East Coast Truckers.

Trucks lined up outside the Forum from 10am until 4pm on Saturday and people could sit in the cab, talk to the drivers and listen to live music.

The convoy, which is now in its 27th year, will take place on Sunday. More than 80 truckers will gather at County Hall car park and drive children with special needs in convoy to Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft, via Great Yarmouth seafront.

Driver Nigel Folkard said: 'I used to be in the garage trade and did a little bit of driving. Six years ago I decided to switch to full-time driving but I have been involved with the East Coast Truckers for 12 years.

'It's a pleasure to be able to bring happiness to children. You can't put a price on it. They love sitting in the cab and blowing the horn.'

The East Coast Truckers also take children on day trips to the pantomime and arrange for them to take breaks in the holiday homes at California Cliffs.

Mr Folkard, who lives in Old Catton and works for Wymondham-based 1st Available Freight, added: 'We purchase wheelchairs, too. The purpose of the day was just to remind people that the convoy will take place next weekend.'

East Coast Truckers president Sheila Sarsby said: 'Saturday was an important day for us because we raised awareness of the charity, the convoy and all of the other activities that we do. The day gave people a chance to meet the drivers.'

• For more information or to support the East Coast Truckers visit www.eastcoasttruckers.org