AN eye-catching new London taxi cab has taken to the streets of Darlington.

The addition to the town's taxi fleet - the first red cab to operate in the town - has been welcomed by disabled passengers because it can carry a person in a wheelchair.

The TX1 London Cab, which is purpose built, has been licensed by Darlington Borough Council to carry up to six passengers.

It has been bought by taxi driver Andy Ormerod, who worked with council licensing officers to ensure the vehicle's suitability for use.

The cab was voted the best of its kind by disabled people at a display in Darlington Market Place last September.

Wheelchair users can be wheeled into the cab through the side passenger door using a ramp.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The new taxi is a welcome addition for both wheelchair-users and parents of young children, who may find the door-to-door service offered by a taxi more convenient than other forms of public transport. Hopefully, this taxi will prove to be the first of many of its kind in the town."