Meet the man bringing his own Coca Cola-style truck to Blackpool this Christmas

Doug Smith, whose quirky projects have seen him erect a replica Blackpool Tower in his back garden alongside his own award-winning shed-based pub, has built his own festive lorry based on the soft drink giant's iconic design.

It first warmed hearts and drew smiles last year and is now being overhauled before it again makes its way across the Fylde coast once the second national lockdown ends early next month.

Doug, 61, a retired sales manager from Carr Lane, Hambleton, is hoping his jolly jaunts will bring in some much-needed cash for Trinity Hospice and Brian House Children's Hospice, in Low Moor Road, Bispham, which have had to cancel several annual fundraisers due to the pandemic.

He said: "Whatever the weather, we will be out there raising money."

The miniature lorry, given the name 'Harry the Christmas Lorry', has had a facelift which includes a new tractor unit built by VCL Light Bars from Out Rawcliffe, while a projector will beam images showing Santa inside the trailer, Doug said.

Key workers, who have kept the nation going throughout a turbulent 2020, will also be thanked with a special message.

"It's cost a few bob to do but it's all to raise money for the two hospices and people seem to enjoy it," Doug said.

"The kids love the lights and music and the Elves Behavin' Badly on the side."

While the Covid outbreak means it's unlikely Doug and his truck will appear at any major events this Christmas, he does intend to turn up outside supermarkets and on high streets across the area, including in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Thornton, and Lytham, though social distancing will be maintained.

"It's been a hard year for the hospices but we intend to get out in the run-up to Christmas," Doug added.

Dates and times have yet to be finalised but will be published by The Gazette.

Earlier this year, Trinity Hospice said it was facing a funding shortfall of £1 million, with an emergency appeal launched to help plug the gap.

Medical director Dr Gillian Au said: “For 35 years Trinity has looked after local people in their final days but now we are being asked to face the greatest challenge we are ever likely to face."

Community fundraising manager for Brian House, Michelle Lonican, said: "Last year, Doug and his badly-behaving elves raised an incredible sum of money for our hospice, and although we know things are very different this year, we hope our community really gets into the spirit and gives whatever it can.

"Every single penny raised will help us to be there for local children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions – our community’s most vulnerable children – through Covid and beyond."

Coca Cola's red trucks have become a symbol of Christmastime since they appeared in a television advert in 1995.

They also tour the UK, including Blackpool, giving away free drinks and encouraging people to celebrate the festivities.

But, due to the coronavirus crisis, they'll stay locked away for the first time, with the firm saying: "We know it's disappointing but we'll continue to share special Christmas moments throughout the festive season.

"We look forward to seeing you next year."

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