YOUNGSTERS using mini-motorbikes are being put on the right track by their local council.

Regular fortnightly practice sessions are being held on a race track in east Cleveland, where youngsters can learn how to handle the new craze for mini-motos in safety, and off busy roads.

The sessions at the South Tees Motorsports Park, South Bank, are proving so popular they could now be a feature of the school summer holidays.

In the last two years, police teams have regularly targeted hotspots in Eston and across Middlesbrough, Acklam, Hemlington, Coulby Newham and Newport, following thousands of complaints - and have made arrests and seized off-road bikes.

Local politician Sheelagh Clarke hopes a corner may now have been turned with the motorsport practice sessions.

Coun Clarke, cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism with Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "The irresponsible and illegal use of these machines are a real problem, but I hope this idea can help. It's already a success.

"A lot of the lads who are coming to the sessions are just keen enthusiasts, who need a safe environment to ride these machines, and I'm sure we can provide that."

The fortnightly sessions are organised by Glen Jackson, the council's Motorsports Development Officer, and the site track operators, Teesside Karting, with the backing of Cleveland Police.

Mr Jackson said: "The Council and Teesside Karting have been contacted on numerous occasions over the last 12 months by individuals and groups struggling to find a venue.

"We're delighted at how it's working and are considering extending to weekly sessions during the school summer holiday period."

Sergeant Nick Walker, of Cleveland Police's Motorcycle Section, said: "It is refreshing to see a local authority assisting in facilities for people to have a lawful area to take their mini-motorcycles to ride them in a controlled environment which is safer for riders and for the general public."

The current sessions allow youngsters to bring their own mini-motorbikes between 5pm and 9pm on designated Tuesdays, or hire a machine for £15.