3 teens from Liverpool qualify for national driving competition, in a bid to be named Britain’s Best Young Driver

3 teens from Liverpool have made the final of a national driving competition; despite not being old enough to hold a driving licence.  Elliot Thomas, 13, from Halewood; Anthony Reeves, 13, from Kirkdale; and Kaleb Wood, 14, from Kirkby, have all been awarded a place in the final of the Young Driver Challenge 2021, having beaten off stiff competition from hundreds of other entries. The competition is run by the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, and all entrants are aged between 10 and 16.

Having had several lessons at Young Driver venues including Aintree and Haydock, Elliot, Anthony and Kaleb were put forward by their respective instructors, who were impressed by their driving skills at a lesson earlier this year. Young Driver lessons take place on private property in dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas with fully qualified instructors, and youngsters learn in a real car as they would on the road at 17.

20 finalists in each of 2 age categories:- 10 to 13 and 14 to 16; will now attend the final which is being held on 2 October 2021, at the British Motor Museum, in Gaydon, Warwickshire. There the drivers will be put through their paces in a number of challenges, including:- safely handling a steering slalom, tackling junctions and roundabouts, confident use of the gears and clutch control and performing manoeuvres such as parking and an emergency stop.

This year marks the seventh time the Challenge has taken place. The final will be hosted by motoring expert and former presenter of Top Gear and 5th Gear Quentin Willson. The winner of the Challenge will receive ₤200 and Young Driver lessons worth ₤750, whilst other prizes up for grabs include vouchers and signed copies of Quentin Willson’s book:- ‘Learn to Drive Without Tears and Tantrums.’

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, said:- "The Pandemic put the brakes on the Challenge last year, so we are delighted it’s now back and we’re very much looking forward to it. Congratulations to Elliot, Anthony and Kaleb for making the final; it’s a real achievement. The skill of the talented drivers in the final surprises us every year, even though they’re all under 17. The whole purpose of Young Driver is to create safer newly qualified drivers and it is great to be able to celebrate the achievements of those youngsters who are taking that responsibility very seriously; as well as having some fun. We can’t wait to see what talent the final brings this year and wish all our contestants the best of luck!"

Elliot Thomas, who goes to Halewood Academy, said:- "I am very happy and excited about making the final of the Young Driver Challenge. I have had lessons in Aintree, Haydock, Chester and Manchester. Haydock is my favourite venue as the course seems bigger and more challenging, I also drove the Bentley there which was amazing. My favourite driving experience so far was the skills day at Elvington where I got to try motorway driving in a new Corsa. All of the instructors are friendly, patient and encouraging. I love driving, these lessons will hopefully help me to pass my test 1st time at 17. I am excited for the Challenge final, I know I will enjoy it and think it will be a great experience whatever the result."

Anthony Reeves, a pupil at Alsop Comprehensive in Liverpool, added:- "I can’t believe I’ve made the final, I’m so pleased! I’ve had several lessons with Young Driver and really enjoyed them. You get straight on with learning how to handle a car and the instructors are very helpful. It’s good fun, but also I think it’s going to help a lot when I get to 17 and start to learn on the road. I’m hoping I do well at the final, but I’m just going to enjoy it!"

Kaleb Wood is a pupil, at Kirkby High School. Young Driver has sold more than 1 million lessons since it launched in 2009. 1 in 5 young drivers has an accident within the 1st 6 months after passing their test, but research shows that figure drops to under 4% for Young Driver past pupils. For more information about the scheme go to:- YoungDriver.Com.

Bill Esterson MP thanks Police for efforts to address antisocial behaviour

BILL Esterson MP has asked Merseyside Police to step up patrols to address antisocial behaviour hot spots. This was after constituents raised the alarm about an increase in anti social behaviour near The Birkey pub and the Pioneer restaurant, both in Crosby. Mr Esterson thanked Officers for their swift action and for drawing up plans to help reduce the level of nuisance.

Sefton Central MP Mr Esterson, along with Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, met with the landlord and staff at The Birkey on Cooks Road to discuss the issues they'd been having.

Mr Esterson and Ms Spurrell described how cuts by Conservative central Government of 1,500 Officers since 2010 had affected Merseyside Police's ability to tackle antisocial behaviour as neighbourhood policing had been seriously harmed by the cuts. However, 500 new Officers were recruited in 2020, and thanks to decisions taken by Ms Spurrell 160 more are in training. Police Community Support Officers have also been cut and Labour would like to reverse cuts to both Police and PCSO numbers.

Police Officers had attended the 2 problem sites, including discussing the issues with pub and restaurant staff. They told Mr Esterson they were working on diverting young people away from the hot spots for anti social behaviour in Crosby.

Mr Esterson said:- "Thank you to Merseyside Police who responded so quickly to my requests for intervention in these cases. The Police tell me it is crucial that people report incidents to them, via:- 999 or the online reporting tool on the Merseyside Police website, or via Twitter. If the Police don't know incidents are occurring they can't do anything about them. Unfortunately antisocial behaviour is seen in various locations across the borough and residents should not have to put up with it. However, there should be more activities targeted at young people, and the Police tell me have been working with Sale Sharks rugby club to see what activities might be offered to make it more likely that young people will avoid being involved in anti social behaviour. Under our Labour Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell we are bringing more Officers back to the streets of Merseyside and having more neighbourhood policing is crucial if the Police are to help reduce the impact on anti social behaviour. Thank you to the Police Officers for their swift actions in response to the concerns raised by my constituents."