BRIAN Houssart is well-known as a taxi driver and former Southend councillor. Yet few realise he has spent 37 years doing his best to help others.

Since 1972, Mr Houssart has worked tirelessly as president of Southend Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Children, which helps youngsters across south Essex.

It is for this he was appointed an MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Every year, balloon-covered taxi convoys filled with smiling children are seen driving through Southend, thanks to the work of the fund, which he leads.

Mr Houssart and his wife Heather, along with eight other committee members, arrange the transport, the venues and the sponsorship every year to give children fun outings.

The fund has organised day trips and parties for disabled and sick children and their families over four decades, ever since the team of six original cab drivers got together to form the charity. It began after they saw the good work the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity was doing.

Mr Houssart, 75, said: “The concept of the charity fund is the taxi driver and his wife takes the children on an outing.

“We do an Easter party and a New Year party and invite sick and disabled children with their brothers and sisters.

“What is lovely is how the different families consider each other and accept each other.”

This summer, the charity arranged a convoy of taxis to pick up children and take them for an activity day at Belchamps Scout camp in Hockley.

Volunteers also provided a party for about 160 children, with their parents and carers, earlier this year sponsored by the Lions clubs of Southend, Leigh and Rayleigh.

Mr Houssart, of Glenwood Avenue, Eastwood, said the hundreds of children from Southend, Rochford and Castle Point who have been on a trip have a fantastic time.

He added: “This year we went to Belchamps, but we usually have an away day in somewhere like Clacton.

“We pick the children up from where they live and then deliver them home at the end of the day.

“As an organisation, we plan an outing for 50 families.

“The whole day is based on a loving caring family aspect. That’s what we aim for.”

He said planning the trips takes a lot of work and dedication, but it is all worthwhile to see the children enjoying themselves.

He said: “We get through 1,000 plastic cups, and 600 bottles of water which we get from Essex and Suffolk water.

“We love what we do. When you see the children’s faces, it is wonderful. We are very lucky.”

Mr Houssart was told In June he had been appointed an MBE and burst into tears when he heard the news.

While proud of his honour, he said people should be proud of all of the charities and voluntary groups in south Essex who work hard to make the area a better place.

Mr Houssart said: “This is an amazing charity town.

“There are so many charities in this town. I think we can be proud of that fact.”