A Hornchurch taxi driver known for his banter has turned the tables and penned a book full of wisdom from passengers.

Mark Solomon, 38, has been driving black cab taxis for 11 years. Two years ago he started asking passengers in his cab for any advice they could give to him.

They would write down their favourite quotes or personal philosphies while in the back of his cab. He created his own website blackcabquotes.com, which has a monthly archive of advice.

And after passengers told him to make the musings into a book he has compiled the best of these in Black Cab Wisdom.

Mr Solomon said he was pleased with the positive response he got when asking people to write down a message on their way to their destination. He said: “My intentions were probably to receive words of wisdom and purpose and direction from a wide range of passengers, who were taking a journey in my London taxi.

“From the very beginning the passengers’ interest, creative contribution and feedback was positive, as a result extracts of the acquired material were soon being shared with the world on my website. As long as the passenger feedback remains positive the quote collecting and sharing will continue.”

It includes advice from Tom and Sophie who said: “Live your life as if you were being watched by your loved ones. Make them proud.”

An anonymous passenger from Chelsea said: “When there are riots in London, cut your losses and go home! Stay safe and don’t let your wife worry.”

Other advice included “Ultimately there’s a far worse crime than being quirky – and that’s being boring,” from Sophia and Teresa, from London, and Dave who said: “The world is three meals away from anarchy.”

He has also had a number of famous faces who have left some advice including Cilla Black, the boxer David Haye, physicist professor Brian Cox and Mercury Music Prize nominee Ghostpoet.

The book is out now, priced �5.99.