Hitch a ride in a rig to help community

READY TO ROLL: Seven-year-old Cohen Hall got a taste of riding in a big rig yesterday. He's flanked by Blaine Prichard (left), Hooker Pacific central regional manager and driver Andrew Scott. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 241114WCBRCTRU02

The big rigs will be ready to roll next month when local transport companies give up their time - and their wheels - all in the name of fundraising.

The local branch of the Road Transport Association (RTA) has been holding its "ride in a truck day" promotion for a few years now and on Saturday, December 6, more than 30 truck and trailer units do it again.

Blaine Prichard, Hooker Pacific central regional manager, said the RTA fundraiser is now held every second year.

The last, in 2012, raised almost $8000 going to the local branch of Autism. This year the funds raised would be going to St John Waimarino for a much-needed health shuttle bus.

For the first time the ride in a truck day will be staged in Raetihi on December 13 because funds are going to a local cause.

Mr Prichard said the rides prove hugely popular with the kids as well as adults. The Wanganui rides will run from 10am-2pm on December 6 and cost $2 per person.

Passengers will hop into the trucks on Taupo Quay outside the Trafalgar Square carpark, and be taken over the City Bridge, along Putiki Drive, back across the Cobham Bridge, up Guyton St and finishing on Wilson St behind The Warehouse.

In 2012 more than 1000 children - and the occasional adult - hitched a ride and Mr Prichard said they were hoping to exceed that number this year.