MEET Phil Dodds – he’s being paid to hang around bus stops in Weymouth.

He will be giving passengers a helping hand, with the support of modern technology.

Bus company First Hampshire and Dorset says Phil will be able to provide customers with up-to-date bus information and sell tickets, as well as providing visitor information and pointing people in the right direction.

He will be doing this face to face as well as via the internet.

It’s a first for First which has taken on Phil as part of a pilot project that could be rolled out across the country if successful.

The creation of the post is timely as the summer season is just launching.

But it’s not just holidaymakers who can make use of Phil – confused locals who need advice can ask him too.

Phil will be based at the King’s Statue where the majority of town buses stop, but he will also be visiting holiday parks.

He will meet trains at Weymouth station to help visitors plan their journeys.

The scheme is known as I Love Bus, Helping Hand, and Phil has been kitted out in a distinctive uniform with a logo.

He also has an internet-enabled phone so he can put travel updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Phil, a 21-year-old graduate from Poole, said: “I love buses and look forward to being able to share my knowledge and passion for public transport with visitors.

“I enjoyed holidays in Weymouth a lot when I was younger so I feel well-equipped to help other people, and families, make the most of a break here.”

His appointment comes after Weymouth and Portland Borough Council controversially moved the Tourist Information Centre from The Esplanade to the Pavilion.

Phil will be out and about from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 6pm until the end of September.

Customers will be able to follow and interact with him on Twitter at @firstdorset, and via Facebook at www.facebook.com (Search First Dorset).