VISITORS to Weymouth are being given a helping hand thanks to a band of volunteers determined to lend support and put a smile on people's faces.

The Ambassadors have been busy on the streets of Weymouth and other towns across Dorset, helping residents and welcoming visitors.

The Dorset Ambassador programme was launched by Dorset Volunteer Centre as it is anticipated many people will choose to holiday in the UK this year. More volunteers are being urged to sign up ahead of the main summer season.

A new band of Ambassadors are patrolling the streets of Dorset’s seaside and market towns, welcoming visitors and offering advice on services, facilities, and places of interest. They are all volunteers from the local community and are thrilled to share their wealth of local knowledge with everyone they meet.

A similar scheme was set up for the Olympics in 2012.

Sandra West, Dorset Ambassador and Mayor of Portland - who was also an Ambassador during the Olympics - said: “I’ve really enjoyed meeting and helping visitors and we were even thanked several times for giving up our time to volunteer. Visitors from Wales asked us if we could go to their town and do the same there.”

Chairman of Volunteer Centre Dorset Sue Fleet said “It is really lovely to hear such positive feedback from both Ambassadors and the public, even at this early stage of the programme.

"We are very proud that the Ambassador programme is giving so many people a chance to volunteer in their own community, and attracting such a diverse mix of people. We have people signing up who are new to volunteering, wanting to take their first steps; and many seasoned volunteers who can show others the way. We have also had a number of people with additional needs become Dorset Ambassadors, and they are being supported by other Ambassadors throughout their shifts. Literally anyone over the age of 16 who can be active for 3-4 hours can be an Ambassador."

Volunteer Centre Dorset is now recruiting Ambassadors. All volunteers will be ID checked, given a uniform including a cap and backpack and will be offered training. Volunteers can claim out-of-pocket expenses like public transport costs, parking and mileage.

To register as a Dorset Ambassador, visit www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk