A SCRAPHEAP challenge for a group of young offenders is under way in Teesside.

The six-week course, which includes a residential team-building exercise in the Lake District, has been arranged to try to reduce offending among young truants.

A scrapheap challenge has been arranged for eight 14 to 18 year olds to build two go-karts.

Tutors from Redcar and Cleveland College will oversee the construction of the go-karts, which will then be donated to the South Tees Youth Inclusion programme.

The training course also includes an introduction to Jobsearch, interview techniques, emergency first-aid and activities which test knowledge of mechanics and road safety.

Lisa Ellis, deputy co-ordinator of the programme, said: "Our aim is to offer these young people the opportunity to refocus their lives and provide them with practical skills which will help them become more successful in their communities."

Pam Eccles, executive director of Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, said: "This programme is the first step these young people have taken towards learning for some time.

"Supporting this project is part of our commitment to helping young people back into learning and providing them with new opportunities for learning and development."