SIX young people were cut free from a car on Saturday during a simulated road accident aimed at encouraging youngsters to be responsible motorbike users.

The project, called Momentum on 2 Wheels, is being run by the City of York Council and brings home the harsh realities and dangers of being a motorbike user.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service took the youngsters from York through the simulated road accident and they experienced being cut out of a vehicle that has been involved in a traffic accident.

Momentum on 2 Wheels is a 30- hour educational project that aims to help young people learn basic maintenance, off-road handling skills and to examine the attitudes and responsibilities of being a motorbike user.

John Mayled, project mechanic from City of York Council, said: "We are grateful to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for providing this session which graphically brings home the effects of an accident.

"The young people on the programme will have a great opportunity to examine all aspects of an accident and the implications on the lives of people involved."

The aim of the course is to emphasise safety and have fun, but participants are also expected to record their progress through the Youth Achievement Award scheme.

York Youth Service established the pilot scheme with funding from central government, but it only has funding until March. The Youth Service is urgently seeking financial sponsorship to continue the programme.