A GROUP of teenagers have been cut free from a car to highlight the dangers of driving.

Four youngsters aged 13 to 14 took part in the exercise with firefighters to show what happens when cars are involved in serious road accidents.

The students from Fyndoune Community College have been working Sacriston You Project on the Vehicle Education Project.

It involves learning about safe road use and car care to make people better passengers, and drivers when they are old enough.

The group of ten young people are also working with police, the road safety section of Durham County Council, a driving instructor and former prison officers.

Area youth worker Jenny Walton said: “A lot of them said being in the car was really shocking. It was really loud and they were quite nervous.

“One of them got pulled out on a stretcher and said it was quite a scary experience, but also a good one as well.

“They also got to see images of real dead people during the presentation so there was a real shock value. It is one thing talking to kids about the dangers but another thing to say ‘eugh, look at that’.”

Taking part in the scheme allows the children to receive a Youth Achievement Award.