A FAMILY fun day hosted by a Chard company has raised awareness for one of Britain’s most important vehicles.

The Love the Lorry day was organised by Deardens Haulage and held at the Windwhistle Inn in Cricket St Thomas.

On offer was a bouncy castle, a hook the truck game, and a series of fun activities for children of all ages.

The event was also designed to raise awareness of the importance of lorries to the success of the British economy.

This was run in conjunction with the Road and Haulage Association.

Representatives to spoke to members of the public, Government and industry figures, and possible future HGV drivers to explain more about the industry.

One of the fundraiser’s guests of honour was South Somerset MP Marcus Fysh.

He said: “I had a great time at Love the Lorry. These are seriously impressive machines and I’d like to thank all the organisers for putting on the day.

“I also learnt some interesting facts about the industry. For example, around 85 per cent of the food we eat is transported by UK registered lorries.

“The industry has some challenges such as fuel prices and environmental issues and I am keen to represent their views in Westminster.

“Upgrading the road network is a massive focus for the South West and dualling the A303 in particular will be a huge help to our local economy.”

There are currently proposals for three separate sets of improvements to take place on stretches of A303 in Somerset.

The first will see a dual carriageway link from the M5 at Taunton to the Southfields roundabout at Ilminster on the A303, along with improvements to Junction 25 at Taunton.

The second will see the single carriageway of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester dualled, creating 30 miles of dual carriageway between Mere and South Petherton. There will also be a series of junction improvements.

The third improvement will see the dualling of the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down and moving it so it no longer passes through Winterbourne Stoke.