TWO hundred taxi drivers working in Blackburn have been taught self-defence in a bid to make them safer while at work.

About one-third of Blackburn with Darwen's 600 cab drivers attended a specially-arranged seminar held in Blackburn last night -- the first of its kind in the country.

The event, organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council's lifelong learning officers, was arranged after a spate of attacks on taxi drivers in Blackburn.

Drivers had warned that unless something was done to help them, certain parts of the town would become no-go areas after dark.

They claimed they were being lured into traps, with thugs calling them out and then attacking them when they arrived at dark locations.

Hamid Patel, one of the officers involved in organising the event, said: "The taxi drivers have been concerned for a long time about their safety and, hopefully, they can now go out on to the roads feeling more confident.

"Specialists were brought in from Manchester to teach the drivers the best skills for defending themselves if they are attacked from behind or from the side.

"They sat down and had a meal with several councillors and officers. The message is that we are here and we are helping."

A video highlighting what people want from a taxi -- a safe, reliable journey --was also presented to the drivers during the conference.

Mr Patel added: "We know the eyes of all the other authorities are watching to see how this event went.

"We hope we will be able to repeat it so other drivers can come along."

Mohammed Narwan, from the Blackburn with Darwen Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "We are very pleased the council have made the effort to host this event.

"Taxi drivers have been attacked in this area and it is frightening. They will be reassured to know that if they are caught in a situation they will know how to handle it until support arrives from the police. It can be a lonely job but, hopefully, this training course will help make it safer.

"Several taxi drivers who have been attacked have attended."