CABBIES who gained the knowledge in a pioneering tourism scheme are hoping their skills will be welcome stateside.

Half a dozen Dorchester taxi drivers took part in the local knowledge training scheme last year, with some later becoming Welcome Hosts as part of South west Tourism's Welcome to excellence programme.

The scheme, which saw the drivers brushing up on everything from Thomas Hardy to Maiden Castle, was aimed at promoting the area to visitors who arrive in West Dorset without a car and use taxis to get around Now tourism bosses are promoting the scheme in the USA to encourage visitors to the county town to take it up.

Cabbie David Alderson said: "We had a few people taking up the service last year but this year we are hoping to encourage more people to use it. So much so that details have been sent to America to encourage people living there to take the service up.

"The Tourist Information Centre has had inquiries from America and so has sent out details of what we offer."

He said the service has proved popular with visitors.

"They like to know what's going on, why and where. The most popular tour seems to be anything connected with Thomas Hardy, his cottage, Stinsford Church and Max Gate. But I always point out extras like Judge Jefferys, the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the grave of poet laureate Cecil Day Lewis."

He said that it was hoped to run courses in the future for other drivers interested in boosting their local knowledge.

President of Dorchester chamber of trade and commerce Alistair Chisholm, himself a Blue Badge guide, said: "The story of Dorchester's past is fascinating and people travel from across the world to be here.

"That's why it is so important that taxi drivers are able to talk about the area and its history."

Details of the scheme are available from the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk, Dorchester.