Central HB: Family day up in the air

Children with cancer and their families from throughout Hawke's Bay enjoyed the fun day. Photo / Nicki Harper

More than 100 people turned out to the biennial fun day for children with cancer and their families.

Visitors to the event, run by the CHB Aero Club and others in the community, had come from across Hawke's Bay from as far north as Wairoa.

Children got to try their hand at excavating with a mini-digger.

Club flying instructor Ross Macdonald said they were treated to anything from aircraft rides to horse and gig rides, jeep rides, a turn operating a mini-digger and the chance to explore the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter.

"We've been running this event for about 10 years and as always we were blown away by how much they all enjoyed it."

This year Air BP covered the costs of most of the aircraft fuel, the remainder picked up by aero club members.

Also supporting the event this year was Twist Trucking which provided a large truck for the families to explore, Waipukurau Volunteer Fire Brigade with its vintage fire engine, Tina Gunson and her clydesdales, Turfrey with a mini-digger and Mills Honda supplied a side-by-side for rides. Food for a barbecue was provided by the Hawke's Bay Child Cancer Society.