TOURISTS struggling to bag a bargain by bartering in the souks and markets of North Africa have a helping hand thanks to a Hampshire travel company.

Immortalised in Monty Python comedy Life of Brian, pictured, awkward Brits often come off worse when haggling with hard-nosed businessmen in the souk.

Southampton-based Cadogan Holidays has stepped in by offering travellers to Morocco lessons in the finer points of souk negotiating etiquette.

Trained tour guides will help holidaymakers avoid the pitfalls of overpaying or causing offence with penny-pinching offers The £20 Souk Tour is an option for travellers journeying to the Moroccan capital Marrakech with the Commercial Road- based business.

A Cadogan spokesman said: "Haggling can sometimes be a tricky and confusing activity for travellers and for those of us Brits who don't do it very well.

"The afternoon tour allows holidaymakers to experience the vibrant life and discover the secrets of the labyrinthine souks of the medina on foot. Alleys which are home to a bewildering array of stalls devoted to specific crafts are unravelled by guides who will now also provide expert advice on bartering."