young children are being given safety lessons in handling the latest craze - micro-scooters.

Lessons are being organised by a watchdog concerned about the safety of the trendy toys, which topped many letters to Father Christmas this year.

The lightweight silver two- wheelers are easily blown over by a draught from a passing car, and children at schools across east Cleveland are now being put through their own driving tests.

Mike Hall, road safety officer with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "Micro scooters are classed as toys, but they can be potentially dangerous on pavements and roads if they are not used properly, which is why we are putting on these sessions."

The courses are two hours long, and provide commonsense tips on riding scooters the best way and being safe near the road.

One of the first sessions was held at the Prior Pursglove Leisure Centre, Guisborough, at the weekend.

Centre manager Hilary Day said: "Dozens of children own micro-scooters and we thought that we would be answering a need if we put on a course like this.