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"MARVELLOUS" DAVE SCOOPS AWARD

Dave the Folkestone Dolphin has scooped a prestigious tourism award for helping to attract visitors to the Shepway coast this summer.

The mammal, who has been seen swimming between Folkestone and Seabrook since April, was attracting up to 150 visitors a day throughout the summer months.

Even last month as the warm weather began to cool, Dave was still proving popular among tourists, helping to extend the town's holiday season.

'We would have expected a drop in trade by now but it hasn't happened,' a spokeswoman for the Channel Chamber of Commerce told the BBC. 'Along with the mild weather, Dave has been a real boost for Folkestone.'

Peter Hobbs, chief executive of the Chamber, added: 'He's marvellous. People are coming from far and wide to see him.

'Viewed against the beautiful blue sky and calm seas, he's very attractive,' he told The Sun.

In recognition of his services to tourism, the dolphin was honoured with an outstanding achievement award from Kent Tourism Academy in Hythe this week.