RAIN failed to dampen spirits as the annual Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund took off on their annual trip to Troon.

Hundreds of school children who require additional support for learning were treated to a day at the beach by the charity.

Around 150 drivers gave up a day’s pay to transport the kids to the Ayrshire seaside ahead of the summer holidays.

All the drivers decorated their taxis and donned fancy dress, much to the delight of children and members of the public.

Former Celtic and Scotland star Tom Boyd – ambassador for the Celtic FC Foundation, and Lord Provost Eva Bolander joined officials from Police Scotland to pick the best dressed taxi to lead to procession through the city and receive a special prize from the Slug and Lettuce.

Ms Bolander said: “It’s great to see the turnout here and all the effort Glasgow Taxis and their drivers have gone to to make the day special for the kids.

“It’s important to have these kind of events, especially with everything going on recently, to remind people to get together and have fun.”

The event, which has been running since 1945, is supported by main backer, Glasgow Taxis Ltd and the Celtic FC Foundation.

Jim Buchanan, Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund Chair, said: “It’s been a great day despite the weather.

“It hasn’t dampened our spirits. We’ve got around 120 drivers this year and around 270 kids with us this year.

“We’re grateful to every single person who makes this happen, from our amazing drivers and volunteers, to the many businesses and organisations who get behind it.

“However, it’s all about the children and the smiles on their faces are truly priceless and that’s what makes the event so special.”

Among the beach-bound schoolchildren was nine-year-old Kyle McDonald, who was more excited about the trip than he was about jetting off to Florida the next day.

The Hampden schoolboy and Star Wars enthusiast had dressed up as Darth Vadar for his fourth trip to Troon.

He was getting a lift from Ronnie Martin, for the fourth year running.

Ronnie said: “He comes to me every year to take him. He’s a great wee boy.

“I’ve been working as a driver for eight-years and I’ve taken part in this every year. Seeing the look on the kids faces is by far the best bit - it makes it all worth it.”

Six drivers from Castlemilk turned heads with their unique costume choice.

Davie Hodgson, Willie Ewert, Jimmy Doogan, Peter Tiernay, Pat Cawley and Tommy McCrory, all donned Nuns habits and claimed they were “more excited than the kids” to be taking part in the day.

While Kenny Warren, who has been taking part in the special day for 21-years, raided charity shops with his sister Jackie Hunter to cover his taxi in teddy bears.

Among the well-wishers was players from Glasgow Girls Football Club who were cheering from the sidelines.