A QUARTER-MILE long convoy of London cabs delighted hundreds of revellers on Maldon High Street.

Cabbie Day saw 95 taxis take 175 children with their parents and carers from Stratford to Maldon for a day of fun.

Led by an escort of ex- police marshals and bike groups, the parade of taxis drove into Maldon, where the houses, gardens and shop fronts were decorated with balloons and banners and lined with waving residents to greet them.

A spokesman said: “This year the local fire brigade joined the front of the procession to provide a truly spectacular opening as they led the way with lights flashing and sirens blaring.

“The High Street was lined with hundreds of people waving the taxis full of children on their way to Plume School, with mayor Flo Shaughnessy leading the cheering from Moot Hall.

“The passengers’ delight at the enthusiasm and warmth of their welcome was plain to see all along the decorated route to the Plume School.”

The VIP guests were treated to lunch and live music at Plume Academy before heading down to Promenade Park in the afternoon.

The hotly contested Best Dressed Taxi award was made with the prize going to a brilliantly decorated cab based on the Toy Story films, narrowly beating his ‘Maldon Cab Run History’ and ‘Greatest Showman’-themed rivals into second and third places.

The spokesman said: “At the end of the day, the tired revellers climbed back on board their taxis to be taken home after an unforgettable day. The passengers waved goodbye as they headed back to London, but we’ll see them again next year, with another Maldon welcome – one that will never wear out.”

The taxi drivers said they found the experience very humbling and were very honoured to be part of the event.