Teenagers are being encouraged to learn about responsible driving and the perils of car crime in a scheme designed to nip car crime in the bud.

The youngsters, students from East Brighton College of Media Arts aged between 12 and 17, also had an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car for themselves during the week-long Responsible Drivers Course in Whitehawk.

Driving instructor Martin Iddon, from A-Z Driving School, is giving those taking part tuition at Brighton Marina.

Run by Youth Clubs Sussex, with funding from Urban, Sussex Police and local companies, the course deals with car-related crime, as well as practical instruction on driving and all aspects of vehicle maintenance.

David Howes, course leader, said: "The course is based around driving and cars because that is what interests teenagers but it is about so much more - raising their self-esteem, teaching them how to study for their driving theory tests, the importance of insurance and how to look after a car."

It is a recognised fact that people who get involved in car crime do so at a very young age and one of the course's aims is to catch young people before they become involved in criminal activity.

Mr Howes is proud of the number of teenagers who have come on the course since it started 18 months ago and have gone on to gain jobs or places on training courses in the motor trade.

He said: "We will help people prepare for interviews and write CVs and give them support.

"One of the other things we do is show kids that car crime doesn't pay and we get a lot of support from the police."