Darlington has been recognised by the Purple Flag award as a town that offers a safe night out. This international accreditation recognises cities and towns for the high quality after dark.

We want everyone to have a great night out in Darlington. Here's some useful advice and information to help you plan ahead for a safe evening.

Pre-book your taxi in advance

Avoid waiting around for a lift home by pre-booking a taxi.

Ask for details of the car when making the booking.

Make sure the driver knows the destination and the name it was booked under when it arrives.

There are several taxi firms operating in the town as well as a number of independent drivers who advertise online. You can also book an Uber online or via the Uber app.

Be prepared for a longer wait at taxi ranks

At busy times, you may have to wait a while at taxi ranks.

The main taxi ranks in town are at Grange Road, Market Square and Bondgate. There are taxi marshals on duty at weekends at the Grange Road taxi rank.

Check your taxi is licensed

Licensed vehicles have private hire or hackney carriage licence plates.

Private hire vehicle and red taxis also have council door signs and hackney carriage have roof signs.

Ask to see the driver's ID badge before you get in.

Don't share personal information, other than your destination, with the driver.

Be a designated driver

Before your night out, see if one of your friends will be the designated driver - staying on soft drinks so they can give everyone a lift home. Don't forget to volunteer too!

Never drink and drive - you're not only breaking the law but putting yourself and others at risk.

Know the last bus and train times

Check bus and train timetables before you go out so you know what time you need to head home.

Check Traveline for bus and train journey information.

You can also plan your journey online or call 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 12p per minute from landlines and mobiles) 7am-8pm.

Charge your phone

If you want to contact friends or family or try to arrange a lift home, you need to know your phone won't run out of charge. Make sure it's fully charged before you head out or take a portable charger with you. If your phone does run out of charge on a Friday or Saturday night and you are in the town centre head to Number Forty (see below).

If you need help

If you are in the town centre and feel vulnerable or need help, there is an emergency button on the lamp post outside Number One Bar on Blackwellgate. The button connects you straight to the CCTV control room which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The CCTV team will arrange any help you need and liaise with civic enforcement officers and the police.

Get help from Number Forty

Number Forty, on Skinnergate, is open from 9pm-3am on Friday and Saturday nights, and MonGay nights from 9pm-12am to provide help to anyone who feels vulnerable, unwell or has been victim of a crime.

It is staffed by trained security staff and volunteers who are on hand to offer help whatever the situation.

Since it opened, Number Forty has helped lost party goers reunite with their friends; provided first aid; helped people get to hospital; called taxis and family members; supported victims of crime and handed out free water, flip flops and ponchos!

If you are in the town centre and need a hand, please pop in.

The police

Durham Police carry out regular patrols in the town centre.

In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.

Take care near open water

Stay away from the edges of ponds and rivers, especially if you have been drinking, and never walk on ice covered water. If someone falls into water, don’t go in after them – ring 999 and try to reach them from the bank using a piece of clothing or a branch or throw them a life ring or throw line. If you fall in water, stay calm, float on your back and call for help.

What3words

The what3words app helps the emergency services pinpoint exactly where you are if you need help. Simply read the three words corresponding to your location when you call 999.