THE EXOTIC sound of a tuk tuk will soon be heard among the Purbeck hills.

Entrepreneur Mike Cox has got hold of a vehicle to provide the first tuk tuk transport service in the area.

He hopes it will be the first step to one day owning a fleet of the motorised rickshaws to transport visitors and residents across Purbeck.

The 27-year-old came up with the idea after discussing it with his neighbour and decided to embark on the business venture.

Mike said: “I decided to go and get the funds together and buy the first one.

“Hopefully I will one day get a couple so it’s not just me driving all over Purbeck.”

Mike said he knows of other locations around the country, such as Bognor Regis, where tuk tuks have proved popular and he was confident it could work in Purbeck, particularly with the attractions it has to offer tourists.

He has now been given the thumbs up to start operating by Purbeck District Council and says the tuk tuk will provide a cheaper and greener way for people to get around.

Mike, who moved to West Lulworth from Bournemouth last year, said: “It’s cheaper than most taxis.

“Where I live the next village is five miles away and you are looking at up to £15.

“It’s also environmentally friendly.”

Mike said he was hoping to build up enough funds in the next six months to a year to then be able to invest in a second vehicle.

He will be able to carry up to three people in the tuk tuk, which he recently bought in Birmingham.

Mike – who has worked in banking, as a locksmith and as a taxi driver – said he hoped his tale would prove a positive example to other young entrepreneurs thinking of setting up their own business after struggling to find employment.

He said: “It’s pretty tough out there at the moment and I am keen to get a positive message out to other young individuals regarding entrepreneurship.”