A SHIPPING company and DP World's London Gateway port have 'made the year' of a Thurrock youngster with a fascination and love for trucks.

Five-year-old Jamie Claydon from Stanford-le-Hope loves nothing better than having a walk with his dad Lloyd along roads close to the port and he often waved and gave the thumbs up to passing drivers, many of whom began to recognise him and gave him a wave of a blast on their horns as they went past.

And sensing his son's love for trucking, Lloyd got Jamie his own small container truck and dad and fiend Martin also made him a container which was decked out with the logo and colours of Hapag Lloyd which he began to drive around the roads.

And that led to a member of staff from the shipping firm putting out an appeal for anyone who knew Jamie as so many drivers had spoken about him. They wanted to invite him to port.

That appeal was answered and Lloyd picks up the story: "We have been taking Jamie for a walk down the port road since he was about one.

"He absolutely loves trucks and getting waves and toots from them. We decided to get him his very own truck and myself and my friend Martin Curtis thought we would make him a container.

"When I asked him what one, his answer was Hapag Lloyd. Marden Commercial's did the wrapping so it is based on an actual container.

"He has had his own private tour of DP World and Solent Stevedores so got to say a massive thank you to DP World, Solent Stevedores and Hapag Lloyd for all of his goodies that he has received.

"They have really made his year. We would like to thanks everyone involved so much."