CABBIES have been trained as tourism ambassadors so they can shout about all the district has to offer.

The taxi drivers took a half-day course about Bradford's attractions so they can sing the city's praises to out-of-town visitors.

They have now been presented with stickers to display in their cabs.

One of the drivers, Shabir Munir, said: "We learnt a lot of interesting facts about Bradford, Ilkley, Haworth and the different tourist destinations, so we can highlight that to people who come from out of town, or even people who live here."

Cabbie Shabbir Master said he was very supportive of the project.

He added: "I have always said that people form Bradford should sell Bradford, because at the end of the day, if we don't actually go out and do things, then nothing happens."

He said everybody in the district had an obligation to work to improve it - and this was one way taxi drivers could contribute.

The pilot project is being funded by lobbying group Bradford Breakthrough.

Its chief executive, Colin Philpott, was one of those leading the training sessions.

He said: "The drivers really responded to it. It was very informal, but they seem very positive about the experience."

Joining him to give the training were Jane Vincent, of Bradford recruitment firm Candelisa People and Patricia Tillotson, of Bradford Council's tourism department.

A further session will train more taxi drivers later this month.