MORE than 200 taxi drivers from Hyndburn have completed training to help them be more aware of safeguarding issues like human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

The programme was carried out at Accrington and Rossendale College and spearheaded by Hyndburn Borough Council with support from Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership and the police and crime commissioner.

It will see more than 500 taxi drivers in the area fully trained by the summer.

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Tackling the sexual exploitation of children is a key priority and it’s not just a policing issue.

"We must all do what we can to prevent these crimes from happening and to enable people to spot the signs so they can raise the alarm if needed.

"The training for taxi drivers does exactly that and I am happy to give it my full support.”

Ray Felters, deputy head of service industries at the college, said: “This training partnership has already provided almost 220 individuals with the skills to report issues.

"Understanding what they may encounter is essential to having a responsible taxi trade.”