EDUCATION bosses behind a self-defence course for cabbies are celebrating, after it was named Britain's best new educational scheme.

Blackburn with Darwen Council scooped the top prize at the annual New Learning Opportunities Awards.

The council launched the scheme nearly two years ago after taxi drivers were identified as one group which missed out on educational opportunities because of the shift patterns they work.

At the same time, there had been a spate of attacks on taxi drivers.

Hamid Patel, from Blackburn with Darwen's education and lifelong learning department, said: "Initially, the cabbies weren't very interested in learning because they work 12-hour shifts and have other priorities.

"But we arranged a meal for them, which was designed to be more of a social occasion but with the aim of talking about learning.

"The issue of self-defence came up and many of them saw it as a priority.

"We were able to facilitate courses like that around their shifts and they then began to ask what other things could be available.

"Had we not gone about it in this way, this group of society would have probably carried on not accessing education."

First aid, health and safety, vehicle maintenance, mechanical knowledge, information technology, customer care and English courses have all been held since.

The national award, presented by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, was judged by 10 people, representing organisations such as Unison, the Department for Education and Skills and the Open University. It is part of Adult Learners' Week, which is running until Fridayfrom May 10-16.

All said that Blackburn with Darwen's scheme was the best.

Representatives from the council will go to London to collect the award next week.

Adult Learners' Week co-ordinator Sue Duffen, said: "The taxi driver scheme is ground-breaking in its ability to offer learning opportunities to this population of shift workers."

Mr Patel said: "By helping taxi drivers improve their skills, we've enhanced the service vulnerable customers receive."

Mohammed Nawaz Khan, of the Blackburn with Darwen Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "These courses have enabled drivers to improves skills and learn things like self-defence when before they wouldn't have been able to."

Classes take place at taxi depots.