A project to slash youth nuisance and prepare teenagers for the dangers of driving has chalked up its First success.

To celebrate the hard work of the youngsters who took part, they will be given a free driving lesson on Sunday.

First Gear, which has just been restarted in the Basildon district after a break of four years, originally fell by the roadside due to a lack of trained instructors.

Now PC Darren Griffin, community liaison officer for Basildon, and Graham Brown, Basildon Council's youth development officer, have qualified and relaunched the scheme for 13 to 16-year-olds.

PC Griffin said today: "Seven people have just completed the nine-week course. There were 11 but sadly some dropped out.

"Those who finished it did really well and as a reward they are getting a driving lesson.

"Alan School of Motoring has agreed to take them round the car park of Tesco in Mandeville Way, Laindon."

He added: "It has been so successful we are looking to do another one starting in September but we haven't decided which area to concentrate on."

The first 30-hour course was aimed at the Craylands estate.

PC Griffin said: "Too many people perceive cars almost as guns, the way they drive them. The course aims to change their attitudes.

"The youngsters learnt they can't get away with driving too fast, basic first aid and had practical and theory training sessions in preparation for their driving tests."

Sponsored by car giant Ford, First Gear has three sections - under the bonnet, in the mind and behind the wheel.

Basildon Council provided the use of Exeter Close AP Scheme in Craylands, free of charge.

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