TEENAGERS are being urged to get to prom safely.

As All Saints School kicks off the school prom season at Weymouth Pavilion this Friday, youngsters across the county will be choosing the perfect outfit and planning a flashy arrival.

But if you are hiring transport to get to prom, Dorset Councils have issued advice to remember to check it is properly licensed.

The advice has been issued by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council and North Dorset District Council.

In a joint message they said: "Any vehicles advertised for hire with a driver should be appropriately licensed with the local authority from where they operate or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

"Vehicles offered for hire which are not legally licensed to carry passengers will not be covered by the appropriate insurance. Vehicles used solely for weddings and funerals are exempt from licensing. However, if they are offered for hire for any other purpose, such as school proms, then they do need to be licensed.

If you are unsure whether a driver or vehicle is appropriately licensed, you can check with the council in the area where the vehicle is offered for hire.

Whether you are in Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset or North Dorset, you can contact the licensing department on 01305 838028 or email licensing@dorset.gov.uk.