Visiting cyclists, walkers and holidaymakers will be able to enjoy an insider’s view of Dover, Deal and Sandwich, thanks to the new volunteer White Cliffs Country Greeters scheme.

A dozen volunteer Greeters were presented with their official badges when the scheme was formally unveiled at The Salutation Gardens in Sandwich.

Fran Warrington, head of Visit Kent at the county council, said: "The volunteers who have come forward are friendly and enthusiastic about the area they live in. Their local knowledge will enhance visitors’ experience of the beautiful White Cliffs Country."

The first Greeters scheme in Europe was launched one year ago in Thanet, based on the Big Apple Greeters of New York. Following the success the programme has now been extended to the three Cinque Ports, with plans to roll out the scheme across the whole county.

Visit Kent at the county council has worked in partnership with the district council, Tourism South East and Kent 2012, to launch White Cliffs Country Greeters as part of the Celebrating Kent campaign.

People planning to visit the area can register their interests online and then book a meeting with a Greeter who shares their interests and enthusiasms.

Mary Griffin, of Dover, has been appointed local director of operations for the White Cliffs Country Greeters.

She said: "There has been a lot of interest from local people keen to sign on as volunteers. We are able to offer a good mix of interests, including local history and cycling routes for cyclists.

"Our Greeters speak several languages and we also have a wheelchair user who will be able to advise disabled visitors.

"I got involved because I have loved the countryside around here since I was a child and am quite excited about sharing what I know about the areas with visitors from other parts of the UK and overseas."