IT is hard to tell who is having more fun — adults or children — when the Daytrippers take to the road.

From enjoying the thrills of theme park rides to having a splashing time at High Rid Reservoir, the Daytrippers are making the most of the summer holidays — whatever the weather.

Yet, for some children days out like this would not be possible if it was not for the Bolton-based charity, which was formed eight years ago to ensure children with disabilities and special needs, and their families and carers, could go on days out and take part in such activities.

Carol Brennan, Daytrippers joint chairman, said: “We have 150 families who are members and this is what makes it different from other organisations.

“Daytrippers is for families to do to things together. There are individual support organisations for parents and children and siblings, but not one like this which brings them all together.

“For parents to take children with disabilities or medical conditions out by themselves can be difficult because they need so much attention.

“In Daytrippers, they have the support of the other adults and siblings can enjoy taking part in activities together.”

Daytrippers was the idea of Bev Mortimer, from Doffcocker, who is also joint chairman.

Her husband, Simon, said: “Our daughter Jayne, who is 15, has severe epilepsy and learning difficulties.

We used to take her out a lot and wanted to extend that to other parents who might be worried about going on days out.”

Already this year, Daytrippers have taken families to High Rid Reservoir for water-based activities when parents as well as children donned wetsuits for the day.

A day out at Camelot saw some adults confront their fear and take a ride on the rollercoaster. More relaxing trips include a visit to St Anne’s.

Part of the charity’s success lies in the fact that all trips start the same way. Children who need routine and familiarity are taken from the same place in the same coach— although everything from there on is an adventure.

Mum Katie Dearden, from Smithills, said: “Daytrippers has been a lifesaver. Abbie, aged 11, has communication difficulties and has no sense of danger, and it was difficult to take her out on day trips.

“Here, people help each other, and children are able to go on more trips. But Daytrippers is just as important for the siblings because they are able to have their parents’ attention as well because of this support network which is available.”

Nathan Booth, aged 14, from Heaton, said: “I enjoy going on trips out like this, they are a lot of fun.”

His mum Catherine said: “If it wasn’t for Daytrippers, we would just not be able to access activities like this.”

Parents Anna and Colin Wilson and their 10-year-old twins Danielle and Gemma, who has learning difficulties, are frequent Daytrippers.

Mr Wilson said: “Daytrippers is brilliant — the adults have as much fun as the youngsters.”

The organisation depends on donations and grants to keep going.

It is supported through Aimhigher, and Turton Rotary Club as well as other organisations.

Members also hold fundraising events, including at the canopy at Victoria Square.

Sainsbury’s supermarket, in Bolton town centre, supports the organisation, allowing them to meet and park their cars on the store’s car park.

Anyone who can help or wants more information, should write to Daytrippers (Bolton), c/o 31 Duxbury Avenue, Little Lever, BL3 1PY.