AN innovative training scheme is helping young wheelchair users to become more independent.

Hartlepool Borough Council's road safety team has joined forces with Whizz-Kidz, a Newcastle-based charity, to work with a group of youngsters from Catcote School.

The five-week course - called Keep On Moving - aims to teach people the skills they need to be in full control of their wheelchairs, including pushing and driving techniques and back wheel balancing, necessary for mounting kerbs.

Kath Heron, the council's road safety assistant, said: "We have a well-established programme of pedestrian and bicycle training in primary schools across the town, but we also identified a need for more specialised training courses to cater for the needs of pupils such as those at Catcote School.

"It is important that the youngsters have the skills to enable them to get about safely and independently."

Louise Forrest, the North-East regional development officer for Whizz-Kidz, said: "Knowing how to use their wheelchairs properly not only ensures that the children are safe, it also helps to develop their independence and self-confidence no end."