A group of 162 people from the Meriden Residents Association had a "brilliant" day when they took a day trip to Southend-on-Sea on August 4.

Families and friends boarded three coaches in beautiful sunshine to spend a day at the beach enjoying fish and chips, ice cream, cups of tea and a stroll along the prom and pier. 

County councillor Kareen Hastrick funded one of the coaches from her locality budget for community projects and the residents association was able to fund another, as well as entry to Sealife Adventure. 

One mother said her two children had never been to the seaside before, while another person said: “It couldn’t have been improved upon - brilliant”.

The association thanked Sophie Phillips from Watford Community Housing, who helped fund the third coach. 

One person said: “It was a perfect day.”

Watford Observer: