ESSEX County Fire and Rescue Service has given 2,000 young drivers road safety advice over a six-week programme.

For the third year running, the service has worked closely with the National Citizenship Service through a scheme called “Essex Boys and Girls Club”.

The innovative programme gives young people, aged 16 and 17, the chance to meet new people and experience new challenges while receiving safety education that they can take home and pass onto their family and friends.

This advice includes the dangers of speeding, driving while under the influence of drink and drugs, speeding and using mobile phones, as well as the career and lifestyle impacts of getting road penalty points.

Sub-officer Kevin Jenner, from Essex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The programme was a huge success, with lifesaving messages being given to over 2,000 young people.

“We’ve had some fantastic feedback from both students and staff who engaged in the presentations, which were very well received.

“We will be getting involved with the National Citizenship Service later this year with our winter programme, helping to make our county’s road safer.”

The service, which is part of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, runs a number of initiatives designed to make the county’s roads safer.

Schemes include engaging with modified car enthusiasts and motorcyclists through the FireCar and FireBike schemes.