VOLUNTEERS will be saying ‘Welcome to Weymouth’ in a new scheme which comes on the back on the success of the borough’s warm Olympic welcome.

The Weyfarers are a group appointed to promote the area by providing help and assistance to visitors to the town.

It is an initiative being promoted by the Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID).

The group have now completed their training in preparation for their first appointment tomorrow when they will greet 586 passengers at Portland Port coming off the German cruise ship Astor.

The Weyfarers training scheme was based on the 2012 Olympic Ambassadors programme with the role of the Weyfarers being very similar.

Olympic Ambassadors were praised for their work in the borough during 2012 sailing events welcoming people to the area and helping them with any problems.

The Weyfarer programme will use the “Inspire 2012” logo. The new uniform for the Weyfarers has been designed by marketing company RLA and printed by local company Weyprint.

Weymouth BID manager Nigel Reed said: “The training course was well received by the Weyfarers with great input from Kevin Good, of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, who took time out to demonstrate the use of radios and highlight the support the Beach Office can provide.

“PCSO Dave Hill from the Safer Neighbourhood Team also provided useful information.

“We are looking forward to running further courses as more people apply.”

Weyfarer Jerry Silver said: “I volunteered to be a new Weyfarer because it’s a great way of promoting Weymouth as a friendly town so that tourists can spread the word that it’s a fantastic place to visit in any season.

“I want to give a welcoming first impression and pass on my enthusiasm for the town to visitors and locals.

“After two days of professional training I’m ready to hit the streets in the very modern Orange Weymouth BID uniforms and help create the ‘Weyfarer brand’ that the town can be proud of.”

Weymouth BID will be recruiting the second group of Weyfarers later this summer and are looking for people able to give a minimum of eight hours or more over a four week cycle with the aim to provide an all year round service.

For more information on the Weymouth BID view www.weymouthbid.co.uk or call 01305 779410 for details.