SOME taxi drivers are streets ahead when it comes to providing a service for disabled people.

Special training sessions geared to making cabbies more aware of disability issues are being held in Middlesbrough.

Plans are in place to issue drivers who pass the awareness and knowledge tests with easily identifiable badges.

Twenty-five taxi drivers have now completed the training sessions initially targeted at the town's 20 wheelchair accessible taxis. A further 21 plates for taxis adapted to carry wheelchairs are to be issued in the future with more training on offer.

The idea of the training arose from discussions between representatives of the Cleveland Disability Forum and Health and Social Services in partnership with the Middlesbrough Taxi Licensing Office