A scheme to promote safe sex by encouraging taxi drivers to give out free condoms will now be extended across the country.

Sussex-based Radio Cabs was the first company in the UK to try out the ground-breaking scheme by Trojan condoms in a bid to give people a "Safe Ride Home".

Drivers have been handing out 60,000 condoms across the county on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights after a 10.30pm watershed if passengers ask for them.

The scheme, which began last month, is part of the American company Trojan's fight against sexually transmitted diseases. It is thought to be the first time condoms have been given out in this way.

Following the success of the scheme in Sussex, the company is now in discussion with a network of taxi firms across the UK.

Taxi drivers hand out a discreet black envelope containing two free condoms and a leaflet encouraging people to use protection.

Radio Cabs driver Micky McSharry said: "The first Friday I handed out around 50 envelopes in the first hour.

"People have no problem asking if I'm a Trojan taxi and requesting their sample.

"Because they have to ask us for a sample there's no embarrassment factor for either driver or passenger."

Trojan spokesman Neale Hunt said: "Brighton has proved to be a great success and we're all extremely excited about the UK roll out potential.

"We've had a number of taxi companies across the UK call to request the scheme in their area, which we're now looking to agree."

Any taxi company interested in joining the Safe Ride Home initiative should contact Trojan. More information is available online at www.trojanpleasure.co.uk