HUNDREDS of children enjoyed a great day in the sun at this year's Glasgow Taxis Outing.

More than 400 children with special educational needs, along with their parents and carers, were taken to Troon in specially decorated taxis.

A total of 150 drivers volunteered their time and cabs to take the youngsters to the seaside, with many dressing up in costumes including, The Mad Hatter, Bob the Builder and Peppa Pig.

The fund, which last year won an Evening Times Community Champion Award, organised the outing for the 68th time this year.

Former Celtic captain Tom Boyd presented a cheque to the fund for £7000, making the total donation from the club more than £100,000 so far.

Tom said "I've been here a few times now and it's a fantastic occasion. It's nice to see the kids with lovely smiles on their faces."

Drivers Paul McGoldrick, 50, and Mark O'Kane, 43, both from Glasgow, are just two of the drivers who gave up a day's wages to help out and dressed up as pirates.

Paul, who has come to the event for the past nine years, said: "The most important thing is that the kids get a day to Troon.

"For everyone else it's just fun but for them it is a great day out."

Mark said: "It's a great cause and it's great to see the kids happy."

Nusrat Hussain, 36, was with her daughter Zoha, 7, who posed for a picture beside a Lego-themed taxi, which won the best decorated taxi competition.

Nusrat, from the South Side, said: "It's really good for children and important that they are happy."

Poppy McFall, 4, from Old Pollok, was excited to go on the trip with her mum Siobhan Devan, who said: "It's amazing. The effort the drivers have put in is unbelievable."

To mark the occasion, 1000 multicoloured charity balloons were released at 11am, just before the taxis set off on the 40-minute drive to Troon.

Stephen Flynn, vice chairman of Glasgow Taxis, said the firm was "immensely proud" of the drivers taking part.

He said: "Glaswegians are known for being a tough bunch but it doesn't take long at this event to have a lump in your throat.

"It's all about the kids and we hope the day is one they will remember for a long time."

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk