A TAXI driver has been given a written warning over "inappropriate behaviour" with two teenage girls.

Peter Darby, 61, was investigated by police after he admitted "foolish" conduct with the girls, aged 13 and 15, who he had been driving.

In a report, Mr Darby admitted discussing a medical complaint with one of the teenagers.

However he said he had been responding to a question and had been "discreet".

Mr Darby also accepted that he gave the 13-year-old girl a £10 mobile phone card and bought cigarettes for the older girl.

The Middlesbrough Borough Council report also said that he gave the teenagers a free outing to Great Ayton, North Yorkshire and Guisborough, Teesside.

Mr Darby had also sent text messages to both girls from his private mobile phone.

The first complaints were made last summer by parents of the girls.

Council chiefs launched an investigation into the allegations and formal statements were taken from the girls.

The report on the incident said: "He accepted that he had been sending text messages through his private mobile phone to both girls.

"He said that his behaviour had been foolish but he had only responded to their messages as a friendly gesture."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "We were asked to carry out an inquiry.

"A file was forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service and the decision was that there would be no further action."

Mr Darby refused to comment on the incidents and denied he had been given a warning.

But a council spokesman confirmed that he was given a written warning last month, at a meeting which was attended by the parents, solicitors, and the police.

He said: "Mr Darby has received a written warning about his conduct because of his inappropriate behaviour."