SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLDS were given the chance to get behind the wheel of a car and drive as part of a police initiative this week.

More than 230 teenagers took part in Cleveland Police's Megadrive at Redcar racecourse, where they were given a short course in all aspects of driving.

First, the youngsters were shown the pitfalls of buying a second-hand car, then mechanics demonstrated basic vehicle maintenance before the children were shown videos of what can happen if they drink and drive.

But the highlight for most was a 15-minute drive around the race course car park in dual control cars with driving instructors from Teesside Professional Driving Instructors Association.

The teenagers, who paid £4 each to take part in Megadrive, also tried their hand at the new computerised compulsory theory test.

Louise Oakden, a student from Macmillan College, who took part in the event, said: "Everyone's really enjoyed themselves and there's been a really good atmosphere.

"It's definitely made me a safer driver."

Sergeant Ian Hutchinson, from the Community Safety Department, said: "The kids have been very receptive.

"It's difficult to say if we're preventing accidents, but if there are 230 people on the road who are aware of the pitfalls of driving, that's potentially 230 accidents that won't happen."