THE Kendal Klipper, the town's popular free bus service, has acquired four new 'clippies' for the summer season - and it's enough to make passengers do a 'double take.'

Mayor of Kendal Coun David Birkett and three of his colleagues on the council will be operating as 'clippies' on the service, telling visitors about the town's attractions and generally welcoming the passengers.

Coun Birkett will be wearing one of his smaller mayoral chains but explained that the full mayoral robes might get in the way of his new role - an important aspect of which is the safety of passengers.

Along with fellow councillors, Chris Mayho, Austen Robinson and Helen Lishman, Coun Birkett will be riding the Klipper on a rota basis.

He told the Westmorland Gazette he had undertaken a crash course on his new job and found there had been much to learn.

The councillor clippies will be providing a running commentary on Kendal's attractions during the journey and Coun Birkett said he was especially looking forward to this part of his new job.

Visitors found it very helpful, he said.

The Klipper seems set for a record season, carrying almost 2,500 people every week for the first three weeks of the current season, with local people and visitors making the most of the free service.

Kendal Town Centre manager Maria Appleton is urging would-be passengers to take their trip soon - the Klipper will only be around until Torchlight Night on September 14, she warns.