Riding a bike in the centre of Croydon can be a stressful experience, but riding a rickshaw is a totally different kettle of fish.

This is exactly what Richard Rogers has been doing since May.

He is one of four rickshaw drivers working in Croydo. He says: "I love what I do, I love being in Croydon and I love meeting new people.

"But it can get dismal when it's raining and when taxis decide to pull out in front of you."

Croydon Cycling Campaign, in conjunction with Croydon Council, piloted a scheme to bring rickshaws to Croydon two years ago. It was so successful that the Croydon Rickshaw Co-operative was formed.

The drivers work Friday nights and Saturdays and people can hail a rickshaw or book a ride around parts of the town centre. Rides cost between £1.50 to £3.50.

Richard never usually travels more than half-a-mile in the rickshaw and the furthest he has taken a passenger is Mayday Hospital.

He does admit though that being a rickshaw driver requires you to be fit.

He says: "It's not like riding a normal bike, you are not only carrying the weight of the carrier but also the weight of the passengers. If you are not a fit person, you soon will be."

Richard, 18, has had several weird experiences while riding around Croydon, but remembers one instance in particular.

He recalls: "During Euro 2004, I picked up two supporters who were completely kitted out in red and white, with the face paint, big wigs, the works.

"There was only 10 minutes to kick off so I rushed them down to the pub, luckily just in time for the start of the match.

"I was shattered after that," he jokes.

Richard says the best part of his job is the challenge of ensuring passengers get to their destinations on time.

He says: "It feels good when you're asked to step on it and you manage to get passengers to where they need to be."

To find out more about the Croydon Rickshaw Co-operative, email Tariq Shabbeer, social enterprises adviser at Croydon Council at tariq.shabbeer@ croydon.gov.uk.