A touch of the Far East may be arriving in the heart of the Lake District courtesy of a three-wheeler Tuk Tuk taxi.

A familiar feature across Thailand, Malaysia and India, a motorised rickshaw service in Ambleside is the brainchild of hotelier Mark Routledge, who reckons there is a niche for a "novelty ride".

Mr Routledge saw England's only Tuk Tuk during a visit to historic Bath and the partner of Churchill's bar and hotel in Ambleside was immediately struck by the bizarre spectacle.

He has applied to South Lakeland District Council for a private hire licence and has been invited to appear before the licensing committee next Thursday to talk about his plans.

Principal licensing officer Steve Wearing explained the Thailand-produced, three-wheeled vehicle did not satisfy existing licensing criteria for a hire vehicle, but added members had the right to waive conditions and approve the application.

"They have to be satisfied that the type, size and design of the Tuk Tuk are suitable for hire," he said, stressing this would be a pre-booked speciality and not a hackney service.

"The idea has been tried and tested in Bath and seems to operate without any problems."

If the proposal is thrown out, Mr Routledge has a right of appeal through the magistrates' court.

"I see hundreds of people walking around Ambleside and thought this would be a great way of carrying four of them at a time," said Mr Routledge.

"I haven't been to the Far East myself - the Chinese takeaway down the road is as near as I have come - but when I saw the Tuk Tuk in Bath I saw the potential."

He hoped the soft-topped three-wheeler, with its 550 Daihatsu engine, four passenger places, seat belts and heater - would have appeal for birthday treats, weddings and stag parties.

If the go-ahead is given next week, Mr Routledge hopes Ambleside's motorised carriage service will be joined by another unusual ride next Easter.

"I am pretty sure it will work, otherwise I would not be considering it. Mind you, everyone said the Titanic would get across the Atlantic!"

Retired head teacher John Taylor, who introduced the Tuk Tuk to Bath and is now hoping to import the £7,000-a-time innovation to Britain, said he has been running a successful visitor service since August.

He regales passengers with a city commentary and charges £20 for two for his Bath tours.

Mr Routledge said he had thought about charging "a couple of quid" for short journeys.

"I hope not to be at the wheel myself, and plan to employ a driver," he said, adding the Tuk Tuk would be hand-built, following this country's stringent requirements.