A CAMPAIGN has been launched to deal with problems caused by teenagers riding off-road motorcycles.

Police in Stanley have teamed up with Derwentside District Council's Spice youth project and Ace Motorcycles, of Durham, to offer a week-long intensive motorcycle safety course over the half-term break.

Eleven youngsters, seven boys and four girls, aged 14 to 16, have signed up for the course.

Students are covering such subjects as safe riding, the correct clothing to wear, aspects of the Highway Code and basic bike maintenance, such as how to change brake pads and oil. They will also get theory and practical riding lessons up to compulsory basic training (CBT) standard.

On Friday, the oldest members of the group will be able to undergo a CBT assessment which, if they pass, will allow them on to the roads as a learner rider on a 50cc motorcycle.

A visit has also been organised to Durham Police's bike section, at police headquarters, to see the vehicles and equipment.

Stanley-based beat officer PC Sarah Hindmarsh said: "The main aims of the exercise are to tackle off-road biking among young people and target safety issues.

"Off-road bikes are an increasing problem within Stanley and across many areas of the county.

"By working alongside groups of young people, we hope to educate them into safer riding and prevent serious accidents."

Derwentside District Council's young people's officer Eleanor Seed said: "The 11 on the course were identified by the youth bus, which has been working within the Derwentside area for the last year, targeting hard-to-reach groups. The bus aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide diversionary activities, and this project is just one of many we are involved in."