The search is on for volunteer ambassadors to welcome visitors to Clacton and improve the tourism offer for the coming season.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is working closely with the Volunteer Centre on the new scheme – and hopes people will come forward to take on the role, which would be similar to the successful London 2012 Olympics “Games Makers”.

The aim of the initiative is provide people with the information they need to make the most of their day or stay, along with a warm and friendly welcome.

Local volunteers will be recruited to signpost visitors arriving by rail and coach to all the attractions, places of interest and the services they might need while they are in town.

They will also offer an enthusiastic welcome along with general tourism and events information about what is taking place in the area.

The ambassadors will take up their post at Clacton railway station and the coach drop-off point in Clacton.

Mark Platt, TDC’s cabinet member for tourism, events and leisure services, believes it will be a valuable addition which will not only benefit the visitors but also tourism providers and businesses.

“Last year we introduced a system whereby we had a greeter meet up with coach drivers and passengers being dropped off at the seafront,” he said. “This new initiative aims to build on much of what we learned from that exercise, which was very well received at the time. The ambassadors will play a similar role to those volunteers who made such an impact at the London Olympics.

“The scheme will embrace the skills and knowledge of local people who are passionate about their area to promote all that is good about our district and all that it has to offer.”

Councillor Platt added that he is confident that this “personal touch” will provide significant benefit to the tourism sector and build upon the exciting and varied events taking place during 2014.

“Once we get this up and running we will monitor the success of the scheme throughout the season with a view to extending the service around the district in future years,” he said. Anyone interested in becoming an ambassador should contact the volunteer centre on 01255 470847.