Nissan's new European prototype Micra is currently being put through its paces by North-East learner drivers.

The revamped Micra, which is tipped to overtake the BMW Mini in popularity stakes, is not expected to go on sale anywhere in Europe until at least April next year.

But a driving school in County Durham has got its hands on a European prototype of the vehicle and is testing it on behalf of the manufacturers.

Martin Stobbart School of Motoring, which is based in Bowburn, is using the green prototype to hone the skills of eager learner drivers across the county.

The new generation Micra has only been seen once on the Continent, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October, when crowds gathered to catch a glimpse. It has been code named mm.e, which means maximum interior space but minimal external dimensions, with the e standing for Europe.

One of its most striking features is the option of a glass roof and it is also said to be built like a performance car.

A version of the model is available in Japan, where it is called the mmMarch, but the specifications are likely to change before it is manufactured for the European market.

Fans of the make are thrilled it is one step closer to being released in the UK.

Ed Ralph, chairman of the Micra Sports Club, said: "I think it is great news, this car is causing a real stir among traders and enthusiasts.

"To know that some people's first experience of driving is in a car like this is really exciting.

"Crowds of people gathered to see it at the Tokyo and Frankfurt Motor Shows last October and November.

"I think it could become the most popular small car around.

"Members of the club are really looking forward to its release so learners who get to drive it should be excited by that opportunity. It would be worth taking a driving lesson just for that chance."

A spokesperson for Nissan was unable to comment on the trial but confirmed that the company sometimes builds a small number of a new models to be used by taxi firms or driving schools as research