Calling all local tour operators!

A kaleidoscope of colour as crisp leaves ride an autumnal wind. Yet for tour guides, autumn is off-peak season.

"November in particular can be a very quiet month for tour guides" says local guide, Tom Hudson. "It's getting closer to Christmas and the weather isn't getting any warmer so custom can drop however it's a perfect time to explore historic cities like Chester and Lancaster as there tend to be smaller crowds on tour, due to the drop in temperature."

Tom's company, 'Live History', has put a call out to all local tour operators to bandy together in an effort to boost custom during this most challenging of seasons.

"Some people are very supportive of what we do but others wonder why we do these things. Recently, we've even received ominous videos from a mystery Tik Toker known as 'Ratatoskr', challenging us to rap battles. You certainly get some interesting people in Chester."

Locals may remember Live History's Victorian flashmob last year (pictured), wandering the city's streets to hand out flyers for their Dickensian Grotto - something unique in terms of in Chester's events.

A group that looked as if they'd just stepped out of 'A Christmas Carol' went on to sing traditional carols on Bridge Street before ending the night with festive cheer at Ye Olde King's Head, Lower Bridge Street.

This November will see Live History launch 'Tour-vember' - a month-long initiative throughout November whereby customers can save 25% on tickets for local participating tours.

For example, those booking a Tudor & Stuart Tour of Chester for November will get 25% off a ticket for the Filthy Chester Tour.

"It's a way of sharing custom among different tour groups and giving the public value for money."

Live History has told customers to keep an eye out for their logo in the shape of an 'H' on their flyers, with their tours ranging from interactive, family-friendly, whistle-stop 'Chester Family Tour' exploring the city's two thousand year history to their recently acclaimed 'Filthy Chester Tour' - a strict 18s and over.

"We're putting the call out to other tour operators so that we may together to promote each other as many local groups simply do not work together as they view everyone else at competition. At the end of the day, we all work in tourism in some capacity and there is plenty of work to go around," says Tom.

For those interested parties, Live History encourages them to get in touch via their website, www.livehistory.co.uk.