TAXI drivers found out how to make their jobs safer at a Huddersfield exhibition.

The event, held at Huddersfield Sports Centre, was organised by Kirklees and Calderdale Councils.

It gave drivers a chance to have a look at the latest in-car safety equipment and receive advice from the police.

Taxi cabs fitted with safety devices, including protection shields for drivers and CCTV cameras, were on display.

The event was publicised to private hire and taxi drivers across the area to make drivers aware of all the help that is at hand.

Organiser Deborah Bragg, licensing officer for Calderdale Council, hoped the event would prove invaluable to local cabbies.

She said: "The aim is to promote products that can help increase taxi drivers' safety.

"Safety is a major issue for drivers at the moment, particularly with the recent attack and murder (of Lockwood Taxis driver Mohammad Parvaiz) in mind.

"The exhibition aims to show drivers devices that can help protect them, such as safety shields and a chip and pin device that can help prevent takings from being stolen."

Representatives from West Yorkshire Police were on hand at the exhibition to offer advice to drivers.

The force has produced safety information posters for all taxi drivers in the region.

Advice includes asking drivers to keep doors locked until they are sure there is no threat and not discussing how busy they have been, as this enables a potential attacker to gauge how much money they have on them.

Det Sgt David Hey, of the West Yorkshire Police Community and Safety Department, said: "What the taxi drivers are looking for is some regulation of their trade.

"We are trying to show them that there are lots of things they can do to help better their image, their own safety and security so they are not quite as vulnerable

"By taking simple steps they can improve their practice and prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime."

A number of manufacturers were at the exhibit promoting safety equipment designed specifically for taxis.

Devices on display, included the Safe Shield, a shatter-proof shield moulded to fit around the driver, protecting against attack from behind and the side.

A chip and pin device, called JourneyPay, enables customers to pay for their fare with a card, and gives drivers the added security of not carrying as much cash on them.