The session included information on bid timescales, the judging processes and plans for summer 2008.

Liverpool's awash with great architecture which we can point out to people as we drive past it

Neil Richards, taxi driver

The bid chief, Sir Bob Scott, said: "It is vital that the frontliners of the city have the knowledge and resources to talk up Liverpool's bid.

"When a visitor takes a taxi ride we want them to be bowled over by the enthusiasm and pride Liverpool residents have for their city."

Neil Richards, who has been driving a hackney cab on Merseyside for 12 years, said the intiative was a positive one.

"I'm pleased they're finally recognising taxi drivers as ambassadors for the city. We're the first point of contact for visitors.

Heritage seminars

"When people come to a strange city, they'd rather ask a taxi driver about something than a policeman.

"Liverpool's awash with great architecture which we can point out to people as we drive past it."

The Liverpool Culture Company plans to fund future seminars and courses on civic heritage for taxi drivers.

Other aspirants to the European title are Cardiff, Belfast, Bristol, Inverness, Birmingham, Newcastle and Gateshead, Canterbury, Brighton, Oxford, Norwich, east London and Milton Keynes.