A GROUP of young patients were whisked off in black cabs for a magical trip to Disneyland Paris.

Fifteen children with chronic and life-limited illnesses from Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals kicked off their journey with breakfast at Canary Wharf, joined by other children.

They then travelled in a 90-plus taxi convoy, escorted by English and French police and ambulance crews.

The 17th annual three-day Magical Taxi Tour was organised by The Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers charity arm, set up in 1994 to give sick children in London a break from their world of treatment and therapy.

Each taxi costs around £1,250, covering the child, sibling and parent or carer, and is funded by large local businesses, including companies in the City of London.

Specialist paediatric doctors and nurses accompanied the youngsters on the trip to ensure their medical needs were met at all times.

Nikki Evans, head of children’s nursing at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital, said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and their families with serious health needs to have a holiday with the support and back-up of children’s clinical staff.

"The children have always had a terrific time, as have the staff and families. Everyone works really well together to make it happen, including the police and black cab drivers as well as our own staff.”