More than 5,000 visitors to Brighton and Hove have been given help and advice by volunteer “city champions”, according to Brighton and Hove City Council.
The small but dedicated team have been on duty in the centre of Brighton every weekend since Easter.
They provide a “mobile information service”, helping visitors to make the most of their time in Brighton.
One of the volunteers Alan Power said: “It’s my job to make people feel welcome. When they walk away with a smile on their face it’s very rewarding.”
Mr Power applied to become a city champion having spent his career in the hotel and conference industry.
He said: “I’ve spent most of my working life surrounded by people and was suffering from ‘withdrawal symptoms.’
“I generally approach people who look lost or as if they may need help. Most people are looking for directions or suggestions of what to do in the city.
“I’ve given out dozens of maps and everyone is pleasantly surprised that they are free.”
Mr Power splits his time between Brighton Station, Pavilion Gardens and the Palace Pier.
He has helped visitors from all over the world, from Europe to Cambodia and Nepal. He’s posed for photographs, too, including taking centre stage in a hen party group.
He added: “I’d certainly recommend becoming a city champion. All you need is a basic knowledge of the city, the ability to approach and talk to people along with a good sense of humour.”
Councillor Alan Robins has given the role a try as well. He said: “I spent a very enjoyable Saturday morning as a city champion with the other volunteers at Brighton Station last month.
“I would recommend it to anyone. It was a great opportunity to tell visitors just what a wonderful city Brighton, Hove and Portslade really is.”
Anyone wanting to become a city champion can find out more by emailing visitor.info@visitbrighton.com or phoning 01273 290337.
These people are clearly providing a useful service for the city’s tourism industry – it’s a shame nobody wants to pay them! Still, I guess everyone is so rich these days than nobody needs any wages anymore.
These people are clearly providing a useful service for the city’s tourism industry – it’s a shame nobody wants to pay them! Still, I guess everyone is so rich these days than nobody needs any wages anymore.