IN LONDON cabbies study their routes in "The Knowledge" – but in York, taxi drivers are brushing up on the city's cultural heritage.
York tourism bosses are calling on the city's 600-plus taxi drivers to help to spread the word about art and culture in York and the many festivals, exhibitions and events happening throughout the year.
And one of the first drivers to take up the challenge has gone the extra mile for the "Culture Cabs" drive.
Dionysis Bekatorus of Streamline Taxis, York's current Tourism Ambassador of the Year, has been coached by Theatre Royal actor and panto stalwart David Leonard to deliver poetry.
So passengers in Mr Bekatorus's car can look forward to hearing a monologue composed by York-born WH Auden – whose centenary is being celebrated tomorrow – rather than the more traditional small talk about the weather.
York Tourism Bureau chief executive Gillian Cruddas said: "Taxi drivers in the city already do a fantastic job in welcoming our visitors
and are often the first port of call to people visiting
York on short breaks.
"We thought it was important that they know exactly what's happening this year so they can tell their passengers about all the exciting cultural activities going on in the city.
"We have provided drivers with a useful calendar of cultural events and also a few key things people may not know about York, so
they are fully briefed to promote the cultural side of the city.
"We're extremely grateful to York's cabbies for their support."

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