PUPILS have received training about road safety in an effort to reduce the number of serious and fatal road accidents involving young people.

Ten teenagers from Polam Hall School, in Darlington, attended the Wise Drive - Drive for Life scheme run by Durham Constabulary.

Despite holding only ten per cent of all driving licences, motorists aged between 17 and 25 are involved in four of every ten road accidents.

The year 11 pupils took part in a range of activities and met a paramedic and members of the Fire and Rescue service.

PC Dave Nixon, road casualty reduction officer at Durham Constabulary, said: "Wise Drive gives the opportunity for young people to receive practical advice and hands-on experience of driving even before they have their first driving lesson.

"The overall objective of the scheme is to reduce the number of crashes involving young people."

Headteacher Marie Green said: "The skills and advice the course has given will be invaluable as our year 11 pupils go on to complete their driving lessons and pass their test."