IT was all smiles in Bude recently as 50 trucks gave dome deserving locals a day to remember as part of a popular annual event.

A powerful wave of kindness rolled through North Cornwall on Sunday, June 8, as the South West Truckers lit up the roads with their annual Truck Convoy for Special Guests — a moving tribute to children and families facing challenging circumstances.

Around 50 vehicles, many gleaming with chrome and festooned with banners, thundered out of Bude Rugby Club on Sunday morning, bound for The Milky Way Adventure Park, a popular family destination near Clovelly.

The convoy’s guests of honour? A mixture of children and young adults living with life-limiting conditions, disabilities, or bereavements, along with their families. For one unforgettable day, the guests boarded their trucks and experienced horn blasts, high-fives, and a fun filled family day out from some of the South West's most generous truckers.

"It’s not just about trucks – it’s about hearts," said convoy organisers Jo and Reggie Vanstone. "We do this to give back, to bring smiles and create memories for families who deserve a break. It’s emotional for all of us."

Families, friends and locals lined the streets along the route, cheering as the convoy rolled past, many with tears in their eyes. Once at the adventure park, guests enjoyed a full day of free rides, entertainment, and food – all generously donated by local sponsors Devon Truck Show and The Milky Way Adventure Park.

Over the years, the event has become a popular staple in the calendar for Bude locals, with this year’s event marking the sixth edition of the South West Truckers’ charity convoy. What began as a small gesture by a handful of drivers has now grown into a regional highlight.

As well as providing a brilliant day out for the passengers, the event also gives the drivers a heartwarming experience, and one that many look forward to each year.

After a day of fun, games and food, as the sun set over the Devon-Cornwall border, exhausted but elated drivers waved goodbye to their special passengers, vowing to return again next year.

“It’s a convoy of compassion,” said one driver. “And we wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The event takes plenty of planning but Jo and Reggie say its all worth it in the end and have thanked all those who have helped make the day possible.

“A huge thank you must go to everyone that helped us to provide this special day,” said Reggie. “Bude Rugby Club and The Milky Way Adventure Park for hosting the day, Paparazzi Parish for the photos, Devon Truck Show for their kind sponsorship, all of the businesses who provided the lorries, and all of the truck drivers, van drivers and motorbike outriders who gave up their time to transport the guests and to anybody else who helped in anyway. Without you all, it would be impossible to provide this day out.”