Hartlepool Advanced Motorists has secured funding to run courses aimed at improving the driving of people under 26.

The organisation has been awarded £2,000 from groups, including Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency, to try to reduce the number of young people being killed on the roads.

Graeme Smith, secretary of Hartlepool Advanced Motorists, said it was prompted to offer the free places after a spate of deaths involving people under 26.

In September 2006, Joel Skinner, 19, and Kelsey Anderson, 18, were killed when the blue Citroen Saxo, which Kelsey was driving, careered into the fence in Burn Road, Hartlepool.

In 2007, 19-year-old Kelly Woodward from Billingham, died at the scene of the accident at Marsh House Avenue.

Andrew Burrell, of Dorset Street, Hartlepool, was driving the car and pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.

Official figures show 17 to 25-year-olds are twice as likely to be killed on the roads.

Mr Smith, 37, said: "Unfortunately this age group believe they are invincible and anything remotely dangerous would never happen to them.

"Sadly recent headlines have proved this is wrong.

"We are looking for drivers under 26 to become advanced drivers and hopefully get across the message to become safer drivers."

The 12-week course teaches drivers who have already passed their standard test how to increase road awareness and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Anyone who signs up for the course will be asked to pay £79 up front, which they will get back when they pass the tests.

Mr Smith, who lives on the Bishop Cuthbert estate in Hartlepool, said advanced drivers are 70 per cent less likely to be involved in an accident and are guaranteed lower insurance premiums.

To find out more about the courses call Mr Smith on (01429) 275060.