Dolphin brings 'feelgood factor' to south coast town » Environment » 24dash.com

A dolphin has brought the feelgood factor to a south coast town.

Dave the Dolphin can be found swimming off the coast of Folkestone, Kent, and has "brought the most happiness to the town" since he arrived in April.

Simon Chandler, co-creator of the website www.sandgatedolphin.com, is the dolphin's self-proclaimed landlubber representative.

The website - complete with messages, a witty first person dolphin blog, and pictures - received 302,000 hits last month.

The 45-year-old househusband turned dolphin entrepreneur said: "He's had a really positive effect.

"It's probably brought the most happiness to Folkestone. It makes you feel good to see him swimming around so free and unencumbered."

The dolphin's playful antics viewed through the window of a conference centre brightened up a recent commerce show.

Peter Hobbs, chief executive of the Channel Chamber of Commerce, said: "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."

A cottage industry has sprung up around the dolphin, which is slowly giving the town a micro-economic boost.

Click on Dave's weblink to his souvenir shop at eBay, and you can buy "I've seen Dave the Dolphin" T-shirts for £19.95 and even a batch of Royal Mail stamps commemorating Dave.

Today Mr Chandler is visiting a Folkestone shopkeeper to discuss a deal for her to sell the stamps.

He said: "I'm hoping that every postcard mailed from Folkestone has got his stamp on it."

The househusband has made no money yet from the website, but says all profits, when they roll in, will be donated to the charity British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

It is hoped that Dave will make a good showing during the forthcoming Folkestone Literary Festival, which starts on November 10.

Historian Dr David Starkey, actor Rupert Everett and journalist John Pilger are all booked.

Mr Hobbs said: "Dolphins are very intelligent. We're expecting several thousand people to attend, and I'm sure if he was to emerge from the sea, he'd book himself a ticket."

Such is Dave's growing celebrity status that jetskiers and kayakers were warned by police last month that they face prosecution if they harass him.