A cruise intended as a tribute to car-lover Michael Morrell was "a disaster" with only 600 people turning up instead of the 12,000 expected.

The event was held at Arena Essex, Thurrock, on Saturday night.

Michael's name was put to it because he loved cruising and always wanted to set up a safe, legal event.

Night to forget - only 600 out of an expected 10,000 turned up to the cruise Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

The 24-year-old from Frettons, Basildon, died in hospital hours after a crash in Long Riding, Basildon, in February.

But his mother Vanessa said: "I am so, so sorry people had to pay money and travel to something that was so badly put together. I am so upset. I feel as if we have cheated people.

"It was a complete and utter mess. Nobody knew what was going on. People were walking out in disgust.

"It was no tribute."

From each £10 ticket sale 50p was given to the trust fund of Mr Morrell's son Joshua, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome - a form of autism.

Organiser Paul Gardner of Gardner-Simons Promotions said: "People enjoyed themselves. There were not as many people as we had hoped. A lot of leaflets went out and there were articles in the paper. I think it was probably due to the weather."

Published Tuesday October 29, 2002

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