A POLICE skid pan will be available for public hire for the first time.

The pan at force headquarters, Aykley Heads, County Durham, is used to teach police drivers on how to cope with treacherous conditions .

Thousands of gallons of water can be pumped onto its surface to simulate the effects of a road affected by a variety of conditions such as torrential rain, ice, snow or oil.

The pan is the only one of its kind in the North-East and about 200 police and members of other emergency services visit Durham for instruction each year.

So far, it has remained out of bounds to regular drivers, other than as passengers at demonstrations and events such as the annual Bikewise show.

But Durham Police is now hiring the facility out, in a move senior officers hope will lead to improved road safety.

Driving schools, motoring clubs, commercial organisations and members of the public can book skid pan sessions that will last about two hours.

They will duplicate the training given to police officers and will be given by instructors at the force's driving school.

One of the force's driving instructors, PC David Cable, said: "On the day of Bikewise alone, 700 people were taken on the skid pan.

"A large number asked it if was for hire, and almost every week we take similar enquiries from individuals and organisations.

"The sessions are professionally run and demand a high level of concentration, so we will not allow anyone behind the wheel with the wrong attitude who thinks this is just a bit of fun.

"Ultimately, it is about getting drivers better equipped to handle hazardous road conditions."

The cost is £100 per person plus VAT, and the skidpan will be available from the end of next month. Anyone interested can call 0191-375-2187.