NEW taxi drivers in Hyndburn are to take a course teaching them how to write a receipt and give the correct change.

The drivers, both Hackney carriage and private hire, will take the classes, being run by Accrington and Rossendale College, from the new year.

The 'student' drivers will also learn how to prepare their cabs for an MOT.

The ten-week course, known as 'Steering to Success,' will become mandatory in the borough from January.

Today the course, similar to one already running in Blackburn and Darwen, was welcomed by traders in the town.

Phil Bond, chairman of the Accrington Chamber of Trade, said: "I think anything that improves service in a service industry has got to be a good thing.

"It's a public mode of transport, and lots of people use them. I am quite sure the taxi drivers would welcome it as it adds to their professionalism."

Steering to Success will be in addition to the 'knowledge' test, which teaches drivers primarily about the area they are to work in.

Tahir Hussain, the college's equality and diversity officer, said: "The aim is to improve standards for customers and also improve the prospects of drivers.

"For example if drivers tried to set up their own business. They would have some skills, to be able to work out their accounts and so forth.

"We are looking at areas like helping disabled people and writing receipts because that's an important area. It looks at preparing the car for MOTs and legislation so they know where they stand. The numeracy side is to help them give the right amount of change, and things like that."

The classes will also act as a stepping stone for anyone wanting to take an NVQ at the college.

Mohammed Arif, chairman of Hyndburn Taxi Association said the courses had not come about due to complaints about drivers.

He said: ''I believe that Hyndburn already has a good standard of taxi drivers but this course will be of great value to new drivers coming into the taxi trade."