Cabbies are lining up to prove they are top rank when it comes to driving.

The Argus today launches Taxi Driver of the Year 2007 to find the best of the best in Brighton and Hove.

Hopefuls will have to negotiate their way around an obstacle course to test their manoeuvering skills.

There is a first prize of £1,500 and proceeds from the competition go to The Argus Appeal.

Tony Turner, joint owner of Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs, said it was a great opportunity to show the city how professional its cabbies were.

He said: "We feel it is important to give a bit back to the drivers who work so hard and Taxi Driver of the Year is a great way to do that.

"The winners get cash prizes and it is supporting The Argus Appeal at the same time, which is an extremely worthwhile charity.

"The taxi companies are keen to support good causes in the city and it's great to be able to have fun in the meantime."

Michael Doyle, of Fairway Crescent in Portslade, took part last year and will be entering again.

The 41-year-old driver for City Cabs said: "I love my job. Every day is different and you get to meet some varied and interesting customers, particularly late on a Friday and Saturday.

"It was a great competition last year and I'll hopefully improve this year.

"I'm entering for the fun of it but it's good to promote the taxi trade."

Mr Doyle has been a taxi driver for 12 years and has driven a number of celebrities, from Michael Aspel to the Chemical Brothers.

One of his most painful experiences came when a naked drink-driver crashed into his taxi, causing £3,000 worth of damage.

The competition is open to all taxi drivers in Brighton and Hove and takes place in Madeira Drive on April 22.

As well as being tested on their driving skills, points will be awarded for the cleanliness and presentation of cars.

Cabbies and their families can celebrate their achievements at a dinner dance at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on April 30.

Taxi Driver of the Year was held for the first time last year and raised more than £3,000 for the appeal.

Paul Murphy, 48, lives in Cowfold but works in Brighton and Hove.

He took up taxi driving a year ago after being made redundant by Royal Mail.

Mr Murphy said his most unusual job had been taking a woman to collect a giant imported stone head for her balcony.

He said: "It's a job where you get to meet lots of nice people. I would say 99.9 per cent of the customers are nice and it's great to be able to help them get around the city.

"It can be unpredictable because you can be sitting in a supermarket car park in Lewes Road one day and then going up to London the next.

"It amazes me how many people we help who have disabilities or problems.

You get involved with people's lives if you pick them up regularly.

"Some times you'll collect a pregnant woman to take her to the hospital and the next time you're taking her for a check-up with a baby girl."

Mark Berrystone, of Mill Drive, Hove, came fifth last year and will be competing again.

He left a family business six years ago to become a taxi driver for Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs.

The father of two said: "I've got a young family and it's great to be able to have the freedom to chose when I work so I can spend time with them. "I like the fact that I'm not stuck in an office and you do get some variety like the airport runs to Gatwick and Heathrow."

Mr Berrystone, 46, said he had rushed a couple of pregnant mums to hospital and driven celebrities such as Julian Clary and Steve Coogan.

Argus Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "The Argus Appeal was the beneficiary of last year's Taxi Driver of The Year and we are enormously pleased that the taxi drivers of our city have chosen us once again to benefit."