CHILDREN at a Rawtenstall school are being offered taster driving lessons as a reward for good achievement.

Sixteen Year 11 pupils are to take part in the lessons at All Saints Catholic High School, in Rawtenstall, after behaving well this year.

The idea to offer the lessons to youngsters came as they were studying PSHE (Personal Social Health and Economic education).

Tim Beesley, head teacher at the school, said: “It is all about looking at things which can help children be prepared for life beyond school and become good citizens.

“The children are 15 and 16 but some aren’t far away from getting their provisional licenses, so it is a chance for them to get some experience behind a wheel.”

The lessons last around 20 minutes and take place on school ground with a qualified driving instructor in a duel controlled car.

The children were chosen for the task based on a scheme at the school that rewards for them for things like good behaviour, doing homework, remembering the correct equipment and wearing uniform.

Mr Beesley: “Because it is late in the school year we could only offer the lesson to a small group of students.

“But the feedback has been good and there is a real buzz about the lesson, so if it is successful and worthy we may roll it out to a greater number next year.

“I think that those students that have missed out might be wishing they had been better behaved during the year.”