A course aimed at teaching car maintenance to women has begun on Teesside.

Anura Amrodrigo, head of faculty for engineering and construction at Middlesbrough College, said: "It's teaching basic skills, looking for general faults and identifying them, taking remedial steps; what do if the temperature gauge registers overheating; that sort of thing.''

The safety aspect for women was one of the focal points, Mr Amrodrigo said.

The course has led to the motor vehicle centre at the Hemlington Initiative Centre, in Cass House Road, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, being reopened. The centre closed some time ago because of lack of demand.

Mr Amrodrigo said the course was going well, adding: "We have a whole range of students from youngsters to middle aged people."

The scheme is being run as a partnership between the University of Teesside's centre for lifelong learning and Middlesbrough College.

After completing the basic course, participants can extend their knowledge by taking part in a 35-week accredited course, which will start in September.