TEENAGERS are being urged to learn about safe driving on a new course.

Firefighter Paul Simpson, who is based at Ramsbottom Fire Station, is hosting the free ‘safe young drivers’ course at Evans Halshaw Ford in Crostons Road, Bury, from 6.45pm on both April 8 and 9.

The event is aimed at people aged 16 to 25 who are new or learner drivers, or who may be passengers in a vehicle driven by a young driver.

Paul said: “The aim of the safe young driver’s course is to speak to young people about the consequences of dangerous driving, distraction and drink or drug-driving.

“Too many young people have been killed or injured on our roads and this is often due to the driver being distracted – listening to loud music, showing off to their friends, texting or using their mobile phones, drinking or using drugs while driving.

“The course is just a couple of nights but we hope it will have a real impact on the young people and encourage them to think about their responsibilities as a driver and realise the consequences of not taking these responsibilities seriously.”

Over the two sessions, there will be presentations and practical demonstrations from Paul, Bury Council’s road safety unit and a local driving instructor.

Emailing syd@manchesterfire.gov.uk or call 0161 909 0303 to reserve your place.