A SCOOTER scheme that has helped hundreds of young people into work met with the approval of Transport Minister Rosie Winterton yesterday.

The Wheels2Work project helps youngsters in isolated communities access jobs and training by lending them a scooter for six months.

Operated by Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association, the scheme was launched seven years ago and has already helped nearly 500 people in Hambleton and Richmondshire into work, education and training.

Ms Winterton visited Northallerton yesterday to meet young people who have benefited from the scheme.

Liam Gardner, 19, said without Wheels2Work he would never have begun the apprenticeship that set him on the road to his dream career. An aspiring cabinet maker, at the age of 16 he won an apprenticeship with a Reeth craftsman - 15 miles away from his home in Gilling West, near Richmond.

"There is no regular transport from my village, so without the scooter my apprenticeship would never have started," said Liam.

Since beginning training, Liam's career has flourished, and in 2006 he came joint first in the Institute of Carpenters national finals. Last year, he won gold in UK Skills' Skillbuild contest, the Richmond Fellmongers Prize for apprentices, and the York Consortium Award for apprentices.

The scheme also helped 22- year-old Charlotte Wilson rebuild her life after a skiing injury dashed her plans of a career in outdoor education.

"Wheels2Work helped me out at a sticky stage of my life," said Charlotte. "I always wanted to teach, and the scooter allowed me to secure a post at Mowbray Special School, in Bedale. It gave me a whole new sense of independence - it has been brilliant."

Ms Winterton said: "Wheels2 Work is a real success story based around the hard work and commitment of local people.

"We can make the region stronger by giving people the chance to take advantage of employment, training and education opportunities, and Wheels2Work is helping to do that."

Scheme co-ordinator Andrew Johnston said: "These stories show the impact Wheels2Work has on teenagers' life prospects.

"I am thrilled the minister is so interested in our project."

For more details, call 01609- 761682.