A TRUCK ‘obsessed’ youngster had the time of his life with a ride out in brand new AA vehicles.
Charlie Hinton, who has autism, was beaming with joy when he spotted the large AA recovery truck and Volkswagen ID Buzz at Lymm Services on Tuesday.
The eight-year-old, from Orford, heard all about the new electric vehicles from The AA’s patrol of the year, Max Lamond.
Max travelled up to Warrington from Birmingham with the vehicles specially to show to Charlie after speaking with his dad, Mathew.
Charlie Hinton enjoying the new AA vehicles with patrol of the year Max Lamond. Picture: Dave Gillespie
“Charlie got into trucks after I took him to Truck Fest in Knutsford,” he explained.
“He loved it, and ever since, he enjoys watching trucks on YouTube and things like that.
“He just loves trucks, and anything with an engine.”
Charlie Hinton enjoying the new AA vehicles. Picture: Dave Gillespie
Mathew said that Tuesday’s visit came after he messaged groups on Facebook asking if anyone had anything truck-related that he could buy.
The plan was to kit-out Charlie’s bedroom, which has a strong truck theme.
“The AA messaged me back and asked to speak over the phone,” he continued.
Charlie Hinton in one of the new AA vehicles with his dad Mathew. Picture: Dave Gillespie
“I asked if it had anything I could buy for his bedroom, and it said it could do one better.
“It said it has an electric truck that Charlie could see, and we arranged for today at Lymm Services.”
The electric recovery truck is something that the AA is planning to use in the future, with the prototype performing well in its test phase.
Charlie Hinton enjoying the new AA vehicles with patrol of the year Max Lamond. Picture: Dave Gillespie
The ID Buzz meanwhile, which is similar to the traditional Volkswagen campervan, but with a modern twist, could be used as a first responder.
On Charlie’s reaction to the vehicles, Mathew added: “He loves it, and to see a smile on his face is amazing.
“With his autism, it is hard, as not everyone understands. They think he can be a naughty child, but he’s not.
Charlie Hinton enjoying the new AA vehicles. Picture: Dave Gillespie
“To see him happy in trucks and things like this makes me happy, and makes me a proud dad.”
Max added: “When we first received the request for support from Charlie’s dad, I accepted immediately.
"I knew from the way that he had described Charlie’s fascination with trucks that we would get along brilliantly.
Charlie Hinton enjoying the new AA vehicles. Picture: Dave Gillespie
The look on his face as I showed him around the electric Volvo truck and VW ID Buzz was priceless.
“The AA is currently running a ‘test and scale’ trial with numerous electric and low-emission operational vehicles, so it was an ideal opportunity to show someone who is so passionate about trucks and vans what the future might look like.
"I feel like the visit was as rewarding for me as it was for Charlie.”
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