FOR decades the sight of a parade of decorated black cabs travelling down Maldon High Street has been a highlight of the year.

It meant a lot to the children, struggling daily with a whole range of difficulties, whose smiles brightened up the street as much as the balloons and banners.

It meant a lot to the drivers who gave up their time year in and year out to provide something special.

It meant a lot to the pupils at Plume Academy who took the children to their hearts preparing food, games and all sorts of fun activities.

It meant a lot to residents who would line up to cheer the cabs along.

It is incredibly sad this wonderful tradition has faltered this year and it is imperative it returns in 2018.

Maybe it is a case of not knowing what you have got until it is gone and losing it for a year will remind people how important it is. Times do change but this is a tradition which should not be lost.

It is important to give unreserved thanks for all those involved over the years from students to staff, to cab drivers and carers, to councils and communities for making the day such a fixture in the first place.