diff --git a/platypush/backend/local/__init__.py b/platypush/backend/local/__init__.py
index b77105e99..9e3861698 100644
--- a/platypush/backend/local/__init__.py
+++ b/platypush/backend/local/__init__.py
@@ -12,8 +12,22 @@ from platypush.message.request import Request
 from platypush.message.response import Response
 
 class LocalBackend(Backend):
-    """ Sends and receive messages on two distinct local FIFOs, one for
-    the requests and one for the responses """
+    """
+    Sends and receive messages on two distinct local FIFOs, one for
+    the requests and one for the responses.
+
+    You can use this backend either to send local commands to push through
+    Pusher (or any other script), or debug. You can even send command on the
+    command line and read the responses in this way:
+
+    # Send the request. Remember: the JSON must be all on one line.
+    $ cat <<EOF > /tmp/platypush-requests.fifo
+	{"type": "request", "target": "node_name", "action": "shell.exec", "args": {"cmd":"echo ping"}, "origin": "node_name", "id": "put_an_id_here"}
+	EOF
+	$ cat /tmp/platypush-responses.fifo
+	ping
+	$
+    """
 
     def __init__(self, request_fifo, response_fifo, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
diff --git a/tests/test_local.py b/tests/test_local.py
index 2fed77550..bf0956909 100644
--- a/tests/test_local.py
+++ b/tests/test_local.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from .context import platypush, config_file, TestTimeoutException
 
+import os
 import sys
 import logging
 import unittest
@@ -22,6 +23,12 @@ class TestLocal(unittest.TestCase):
         backends = Config.get_backends()
         self.assertTrue('local' in backends)
 
+        try: os.remove(Config.get_backends()['local']['request_fifo'])
+        except FileNotFoundError as e: pass
+
+        try: os.remove(Config.get_backends()['local']['response_fifo'])
+        except FileNotFoundError as e: pass
+
 
     def test_local_shell_exec_flow(self):
         self.start_sender()