Lorry-fan Ayrton O’Connell had a birthday treat to remember when he was given a surprise tour of Island Roads’ fleet.
Gatten and Lake Primary School pupil Ayrton, along with his mum and dad, Julia and Simon, his girlfriend Poppy Gray, and her mum Jade, were guests of honour at Island Roads’ Stag Lane headquarters.
And to round off his visit, six-year-old Ayrton was given a ride in the gritter that serves his home town of Sandown and was then presented with a replica lorry complete with the Island Roads logo and a personalised AYRTON number plate.
The visit was arranged by Matt Shaw, Island Roads’ Operations Manager following a request from Jade. During his visit, Ayrton was shown a range of vehicles including fleet vans, a caged rubbish-collecting lorry and a gully emptier while staff were on hand to answer his numerous questions.
Julia said: “Ayrton is absolutely fascinated with lorries, he’s got ones from loads of national companies as well as Island firms like Gibbs Timber Frame and WightFibre.
“But recently he’s become really interested in Island Roads vehicles. He spots an Island Roads vehicle a mile off and wants to know what activity they are doing.
“Poppy said he wanted an Island Roads lorry and when her mum Jade got in touch with them, they were only too willing to help. He loved his visit and ride on a gritter and I know he won’t stop playing with the lorry. Thanks to everyone at Island Roads for such a lovely surprise.”
Jez Mew, Island Roads Environmental Service Manager, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host Ayrton and Jade and their families. Ayrton was so interested in the fleet, and we hope he enjoyed his visit as much as we enjoyed having him with us.”
Jez also thanked Dodnor-based Indigo Signs & Print who produced the miniature livery for the toy lorry presented to Ayrton.