BAD drivers will be offered the chance to retrain under a scheme to be introduced across County Durham.

People convicted of careless driving will be able to volunteer for instruction to try to prevent them having accidents in the future.

Those who agree to take the course may receive a reduction in their court sentence.

A similar scheme has already been tried in other parts of the country and the County Durham police area is one of the last to take it on board.

Road safety officer Stewart Withycombe said: "The implementation of this scheme in the Durham force area is considered to be very beneficial to the aims and objectives of the county council's casualty reduction programmes and targets."

Durham County Council will arrange the courses, including staff, venues and administration.

Its staff will also work with police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority