More than 200 pensioners have been taken on a mystery trip out to visit some surprise destinations thanks to a local charity.
Hornsea Lions, which organised the charabanc, booked five 50-seater coaches to take older residents in the town on a one-day coach tour through some of the most beautiful parts of North Yorkshire.
Setting off last Sunday, the 210 people started in Helmsley near York and made their way up to Stokesley. They passed Guisborough and stopped at Redcar before coming back via Saltburn and along the coastal road home to Hornsea.
The stop-offs on the tour had remained a closely guarded secret before everyone set off. No one knew where they were going until the coaches got on the road.
The buses were hired from Acklams of Beverley, and were paid for out of the charity’s funds. At just £2 a ticket, more than £400 was raised which will go straight back to the Lions to help them continue their good work.
Hornsea Lions president Ken Thorpe said: “It’s a yearly thing and it’s always the second Sunday in May. It’s a different destination every year.
“It’s only me that knows where we’re going, and I’m sworn to secrecy.
“We avoid the bank holiday weekend because we used to have trouble getting parked up, and we’re all pensioners so we need to have breaks and a cuppa.
“There was free bingo on the way out, and free bingo on the way home. There was also a raffle during the day.
“Tesco donated one prize and Petals, Pets and Paws provided another. Robinson’s supplied us with chocolates, and we got boiled sweets from Sweet Sensations. Eden Café provided us with the catering.
“It’s all about providing a service to the senior citizens of Hornsea with a minimum charge. It’s a tradition we’ve carried on for years, and we make sure that everywhere we go is accessible.
“There is some spectacular scenery in the North York Moors. There was something there for everybody. Some people wouldn’t normally get the chance to see the views that they have.”
After the trip, the Lions received an email from one of the ladies thanking the charity. She said the tour had taken her past where she and her late husband had held their wedding reception, and the place where she’d later scattered his ashes.
Ken added: “It just brought all those good memories back for her. That’s where I get my buzz from – by making other people happy.”