WOMEN are being urged to text to a friend the number of any taxis they get into during the Christmas party season to clamp down on bogus drivers.

Julie Wareing, from the Blackburn branch of sexual health charity Brook, said party-goers should note the licence and taxi registration plate numbers.

She said: "Always make sure someone knows where you are. If you get a taxi home, text the number to a friend and let someone know you are home safely."

She also urged women not to drink to excess, use a plastic "spikey" over drinks to avoid them being dosed, and to ensure partners wear condoms.

Claire Jackson, young person's sexual health strategy co-ordinator for Blackburn with Darwen NHS Primary Care Trust, urged women to be aware of what to do in an emergency.

She said: "Sometimes you can do all the planning and preparation for safe sex but, with festivities and alcohol combined, you might find you are in need of emergency contraception.

"In the case of any such emergencies, there are a number of outlets across East Lancashire where emergency contraception can be obtained free."

For sexual health advice call 0800 51 11 11, 0800 28 29 30, or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.