Young drivers keen to improve their skills can head to the ExCeL exhibition centre on Friday for a training course run by Ford.

The car maker will be running its free Driving Skills for Life programme that aims to save the lives of young drivers aged 17-24 by giving them access to on the road training and education while behind the wheel.

The training programme concentrates on hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed/space management and distractions - areas which are identified as the leading causes of accidents in this vulnerable 17-24 age category.

Since the programme was launched in June 2013, more than 250 young drivers have registered their interest via the dedicated website www.fordDSFL.co.uk.

Mark Ovenden, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain said: “These first training dates and venues are only the start of our Ford DSFL campaign and there will be more to come in 2014 and beyond. It is encouraging to see the number of young people and their parents who have already registered on the website.”