Veterans And Cabbies Celebrate 70 Years By The Seaside

A hundred London black cabs took veterans to visit the seaside as part of a tradition that goes back 70 years.

The Taxi Charity travelled from the Surrey Rehabilitation Centre where they transported around 50 war veterans to the seaside at Worthing.

But before they reached their final destination they stopped off at South Holmwood where they all sat down for some lunch.

Joining them were cyclists who were pedalling their way around the trip to raise money for defence medicine.

Captain Dom Briggs, from the Royal Army Medical Corps, said the journey had been "a good challenge so far."

He said: "It's gone really well, we've had a few dramas along the way from prosthetic legs falling off."

All of the drivers were volunteers that dedicate this day to the veterans.

Ian Fairbrother has been running the event for seven decades.

He said: "This is the 70th year and I've been present at every one."

Taxi driver, Derek Dane, helps out at the annual event, he said: "I've been doing this for a number of years and I just think it's really good that we're paying something back for what they've done for us."

Veteran Bill Brooker said:

"I think they're absolutely marvelous, I live on my own now since my wife died and without the black cab people it wouldn't be worth living."

Also at the event was war veteran, Jim Knox, who served at Monte Cassino, North Africa, Greece and Southern France.

He paid thanks to those involved in the trip: "First of all, I'd like to say thank you to the taxi drivers.

"Thank you to the people of Worthing who make us welcome and I look forward to coming here every year."

Despite services at Headley Court moving, the Taxi Charity will continue to put on the event.

Finishing the trip was a Spitfire flypast and group photo.