YOUNG people will be given the chance to hone their driving skills when they return to school later this month.

The scheme, which is being launched for sixth form students at Lady Lumley's School, Pickering, is to help them avoid accidents.

The project is being co-ordinated by David Warin, whose son, Daniel, died at the age of 17 in a road accident five years ago.

Daniel was an A-level student at the school at the time of his death which happened while he was driving home from a night out at the cinema.

"It's a way of enabling young people who have just passed their test to take an advanced test," said Mr Warin.

"Normally it would be very expensive to take your advanced driving test but we have managed to acquire some money from one or two sources which enables us to pay for them.

"Young people are often involved in accidents because they either drive too fast or they are not experienced enough.

"There have been a high number of young people killed on North Yorkshire roads over the last few years and if we can prevent just one more we'll be doing a good job.

"The hope is that they will learn news skills and how to cope in certain situations which might help them avoid accidents on the road."

The scheme was launched last year enabling a small group to take an advanced test.

"This year though we have a bit more money so we're looking to attract young drivers," said Mr Warin.

Twins Rob and David Bateman, both 18 and students from Lady Lumley's School, were two who took the test.

"It's really improved my driving," said David.

"There are a whole range of skills they teach you including night driving and wet weather driving. I feel much more comfortable behind the wheel and much safer for having done the course."

Rob agreed, adding: "You learn about safe driving on motorways and safe distances to drive behind other vehicles.

"It's a good way to enable people to take the test if they can't afford the fees for an advanced driving test."

Updated: 08:43 Wednesday, September 04, 2002