Children with special needs are in for a special treat thanks to an Ashburton trucking company.

Ryal Bush Transport in Ashburton is the driving force behind Smiles4Miles, a big day out in Ashburton especially for children with special needs or those who face day-to-day medical challenges, on August 19.

Kids will be treated to rides in trucks, vintage cars and hot rods, and there will even be fire appliances, ambulances and police cars on site for them to try out for size. The ultimate goal is to leave kids feeling happy and encouraged, Ryal Bush’s Tammy Wright said.

Wright said they’d got other trucking companies on board too, and they’re expecting up to 40 trucks and drivers to be there on the day. They’ll take kids for a ride, looping around Ashburton.

It’s not a new idea – it’s been done in other centres – but it’s the first time Ryal Bush has brought the idea to Ashburton, and they have no idea how it will go. But they’re hoping it will be a success because they’re planning on making it an annual event.

“The drivers will be amazing on the day, I can just tell, they will come together and make it happen,” Wright said.

As well as the rides, there will be food on offer and raffles.

“We are going to have Rapid Relief Team there and they’re going to do a free barbecue for everyone,” Wright said.

There will also be loading ramps to help children in and out of trucks if needed.

Smiles4Miles will run from midday until 3 pm, on August 19, at the Ryal Bush yard at 77 Maronan Road, Tinwald. For anyone wanting to volunteer their time or vehicle, please call Tammy Wright on 027 454 5739Smiles4Miles_poster_with bleed