It might sound like a fishy deal but a London cabbie's 'kipper season' offer could be a godsend.

Taxi driver Jamie Parker from the Esplanade in Rochester is offering people in Medway and Kent a bespoke service in and out of London for £120 - less than half the price of the usual fare, which would normally cost more than £300.

The offer will last throughout January and February - traditionally known in the taxi trade as kipper season.

Newly qualified London cabbie Jamie, 32, who runs JP Taxi service, explained: "I think the phrase goes back to when cabbies could only afford to put kippers on the table.

"It is a quiet time for us, but fortunately we're not quite in that position now. I promise the cab isn't going to be smelling of a fish dinner when you get in!"

He said the deal was mutually beneficial as it covers his costs to get in and out of London, where he can carry on working until his Kent passengers travel home.

"Plus, you don't have that mad rush for the last train home - or as us cabbies call it, the vomit comet," he added.

Mr Parker qualified as a cab driver in December, and as newcomer is affectionately known in the trade as a "Butter Boy", or a newbie.

He is keen to be out in the cab as much as possible after five years of study and part-time work as a Rochester postman and delivery driver at Iceland in Strood.

He said: "We all know the price of trains into London from our towns is outrageous.

"The service isn't always reliable and they don't feel particularly safe at the moment because of Covid."

The deal also follows the axing of the Kings Ferry commuter service last month, and could help out former passengers looking for an alternative to the train.

Jamie's new LEVC hybrid taxi has six passenger seats, charging ports, and a panoramic roof to enjoy the view, and is also fully wheelchair accessible.

And a partition separating the passenger and driver's seats, means passengers are not obligated to wear a mask either.

"It's more comfortable and sociable for people. You're basically getting a first-class chauffer service.

"And it's door to door, so you're not paying for cabs or tubes at the other side."

Jamie said he was always open to a deal with people in Medway, but said it was unlikely he could offer the £120 fare all-year round.

Becki Murphy was one of Mr Parker's first clients to take up the deal with a friend, to see Six! The Musical at the Vaudeville.

Miss Murphy, 31, said: "It was a great, relaxed experience. The cab was really clean and Jamie was friendly. He left us to enjoy our conversations in the back, but we told him we were interested in history and asked him to flag any big sights we might pass by, so he did a mini tour for us and that made it extra special."

Find Jamie on Facebook @JPTaxiLDN or email jptaxildn@gmail.com