A NORTH Yorkshire estate is helping to give local children more drive - quite literally.

Zetland Estates has teamed up with Richmond School and the Rural Area Motor Project (Ramp) to help youngsters gain their Bridge Project Youth Achievement Awards.

A group of 14 and 15-year-olds from the school have been given the chance to take time out from lessons to take part in various challenges for the awards scheme.

One of the challenges for the youngsters is to learn the basics of motorcycling, but the foot-and-mouth crisis left them with nowhere to do it.

But when Lord Ronaldshay, of Zetland Estates, heard of their plight he offered them the use of land at Aske, near Richmond.

The first event has now been held and the organisers are hoping to hold similar days on a regular basis.

Ramp provides the bikes, two 125cc Yamahas and two 100cc Kawasakis, and the aim is to teach the teenagers how to use them safely.

Teacher Katey Purkiss-McEndoo said: "The youngsters really enjoyed their day.

"They learnt all the basics of riding trial bikes and were able to put their newlyfound skills into practice on the land kindly provided for us by the Zetland Estates."

She said: "These bike days prove invaluable to the youngsters for boosting morale and self-esteem.

"They help to reduce the pressures of school life, including the coming exams, and are a great way for them to let off steam."

Lord Ronaldshay said: "The scheme is a fantastic idea and everyone at Zetland Estates is delighted to be involved in helping youngsters in the local community."