A "VIDEO nasty" with a difference is today being shown to footballers in an attempt to shock them into driving sensibly when in a fast car.

Young players from Middlesbrough Football Club will be shown the no-holds barred film, which contains graphic footage of car accidents and fire crews cutting trapped victims free from wrecks.

Cleveland Fire Brigade station manager Steve Walton, based at the Coulby Newham station, said: "Unfortunately, one of the most at-risk groups are young inexperienced drivers so that is who we have aimed this campaign at.

"We feel it is very important, especially with the income and lifestyle that young football players can have which allows them to buy fast cars, it puts them at risk.

"Our message is that when they do become drivers, they are entering a whole new environment, where their decisions and actions can mean life or death for themselves, their passengers and other road users."

The film is part of a Learn and Live campaign targeted at young people wanting to become motorists.

It has already been shown to college students across the four districts in the brigade area, and now 25 young Middlesbrough Football Club professionals will watch the film at the Boro's Hurworth training ground today.

The brigade hopes it will become part of the club's education programme to be shown to all of their young footballers.

The scheme could be introduced to other clubs across the country.

David Parnaby, Boro's academy director, said: "We are very conscious that there have been a number of high-profile tragedies involving young footballers in road accidents over the years.

"We have to hold our hands up at Middlesbrough and admit that we have had a few near misses over the years.

"We have been lucky so far, but we cannot just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best."

"This is an excellent scheme by Cleveland Fire Brigade and one I am sure will save lives.

"I am certain it will have a real impact on our young players, far more than any words of advice would ever do."