PUPILS at a Southampton school got behind the wheel in a special driving workshop.

The teenagers had the freedom of the open tennis court at Millbrook Community School as they practised manoeuvres with the help of a qualified driving instructor.

The Road Runners scheme, for 15- and 16-year- olds in Year 11, was run by the school and the youth charity Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Options with involvement of the police.

The Outer Shirley Regeneration programme funded it as part of a three-year scheme of youth activities for eight- to 21-year-olds costing £114,888.

The aim of the event was to make the pupils more aware of road safety and give a head start to their driver education.

As well as taking the wheel, pupils also found out about the pros and cons of buying a second-hand car, what to look for and what not to buy.

School spokesman Naomi Harrison said: "Our students want to become safe drivers. They understand that owning and using a car is a huge responsibility and take this opportunity very seriously while enjoying this hands on way of learning."

Outer Shirley Regeneration youth co-ordinator Marie Draper said: "A large element of the programme is about improving services and facilities for children and young people.

"I hope that the driving sessions will prove popular and great fun as well as promoting responsible car ownership."

The youth programme includes a range of activities including education on drugs, adventure activity courses, sports, summer activities, a project addressing street crime and the establishment of school councils.