Miniature Coca Cola truck 13 Nov

Visitors better watch out at this year's Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair as a special appearance from a miniature Coca Cola truck will be helping to herald the start of the festive season.

It may have taken him eight months to complete with his own two hands but Barrie Hall from Lincoln has made it his mission to transform his mobility scooter into a rolling Coca Cola truck to travel across the county raising money for charity, Cancer Research UK. And one of the stops on his list is at this year's Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair here at Lincolnshire Showground on 28 November!

Barrie said: "It has taken me eight months to complete from start to finish but the pinnacle was when my daughter turned round and said to her friends, "my dad built that with his own two hands" - I felt so humbled.

"As a Leukaemia sufferer myself and after losing my wife just over five years ago, I was driven to do this to raise as much money as possible to help repay the people who cared for her and do an amazing job every day.

"I honestly thought I had bitten off more than I could chew after a few months in but it has been worth it.

"I want to raise as much money as possible and am looking forward to coming to the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair. Already I have an idea for my mobility scooter for next year - it will be bigger and better yet."

Over 11 feet long, the Coca Cola truck was built by the 73-year-old who has a background in mechanics and engineering. The mobility truck uses 16 bulbs and will be lighting its way across the Fair for spectators to make a donation.

Jayne Southall, CEO of Lincolnshire Showground, said: "After seeing what Barrie was doing in the news we thought it was brilliant and wanted to support his cause. We invited him to come to the Food and Gift Fair.

"We are really excited to welcome him now that we are in the final few weeks of preparations. The Food and Gift Fair is a real feel good event that gets everyone in the Christmas spirit.

"Christmas shoppers will have the opportunity to sample delicious produce, and buy brilliant hand crafted gifts for their loved ones, before the hustle and bustle of the mad Christmas shopping dash begins."

The Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair, held on 28 and 29 November, spans two exhibitions halls and has more than 150 food and gift stands.

In addition, there is a selection of fun workshops, wine tasting and inspiring cookery demonstrations from Lincolnshire chefs and producers in its Lincolnshire Kitchen ensuring there is something to suit all tastes.

Thurlby Motors, which sponsors the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair, has offered to transport Barrie's Coca Cola truck to and from the Lincolnshire Showground.

Visitors can see Barrie and his Coca Cola truck between 10am and 4pm. So far he has raised more than £480 - to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/barrie-hall1

You can buy Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair tickets here or call the dedicated ticket hotline on 01749 814087.