DOZENS of drivers have taken part in a truck run across Cumbria for charity.

Almost 30 trucks departed and returned to Penrith for a 60-mile route on A roads across the Lake District.

The drivers left the town just after midday on Saturday and returned shortly before 4pm.

Crowds gathered to wave the drivers off as they embarked on the fundraising journey.

The event was organised by husband and wife, Nick and Zoe Rigg, following their son Harley’s diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of three in March last year.

The couple want to raise money for the Cumbria Autism Family Support Project, which is part of Carlisle Mencap, to help educate more people about what autism is, how it affects the individual, and those around them.

Zoe told the News & Star: “We’ve had a good turnout, with 28 trucks, plus the escort vehicles who joined us, and it’s been really good.

“This is the first charity event that myself and Nick have ever organised, and we’re so pleased with the positive response.

“Since Harley was diagnosed, we have been on a steep learning curve about how to help Harley to understand and manage the world around him.

“Sadly, we have found that one of the hardest parts has been getting people to understand and accept what autism actually means for him.”

In terms of how much money was raised, Zoe added: “I hope we’ve gone over the £1,000 mark, and our target is £3,000 to collect through a number of events.”

Zoe’s husband, Nick, a wagon driver, came up with the idea of holding a charity truck run.

“My son, Harley, loves everything with wheels, so it was more for him,” Nick said.

“But overall, it was to raise awareness of what autism is, and allowing more people to give them acceptance.”