Sandicliffe, the East Midlands-based dealer group, is taking hundreds of children from care homes on a day out to Alton Towers, after raising thousands of pounds over the last five months to make it happen.

The Sandicliffe 4 Kidz event has been driven by dealer team leader Terry Galloway who lived at a children’s home in the 80s and was part of a convoy of 200 taxis decorated in balloons, tinsel and fairy lights which took kids from Manchester to the Blackpool Illuminations. This annual charity event folded in the mid-1990s due to a lack of community support.

Seven coaches, one of which is sponsored by Jewelultra, will travel in convoy to transport the children and their carers from local foster homes and children’s homes to the theme park.

Galloway said: “I remember how I felt at the time when I was younger, it felt special, and people cared about us. I just want to pass that feeling on. Maybe one day someone from this convoy will be inspired just like I was and go on to create something special.”

Reg Tutt, Sandicliffe managing director, said: "Terry has been passionate about this campaign as he understands what a difference a day like this can make to children in care.

"We’re absolutely delighted to be recreating this magical trip 20 years after the annual event folded and can promise a fantastic day out for all involved."