YOUNGSTERS are to be given scooter safety lessons in an effort to prevent Christmas celebrations turning into a New Year nightmare.

Backed by Cleveland Police, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has launched a safety course after micro scooters became one of the top Christmas presents.

The scheme, which is aimed at schools, consists of three one-hour training sessions, putting children in the position of pedestrians to show them the danger scooters can cause.

Inspector Mick Bennett, of Cleveland Police's road policing unit, said: "We are delighted with the council's initiative and hope it will be a success."