The Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group is providing financial support to the Momentum Project in Alford as part of its programme of support for tackling the problem of road traffic collisions involving young drivers in the North East of Scotland.

Six young people completed the Momentum course in Alford in April 2010. This course is about teaching young people basic car maintenance, road safety and basic driving skills. The aim is to introduce the group to the skills and responsibilities that go with driving a car.

The course was funded through the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group and run by Alford & Area Community Learning and Development with input from Grampian Police, Altens College and Alford Transport Museum.

The group all went out for a meal at the Haughton Hotel to celebrate their success and were presented with their award by Dianne Sutherland. They all completed the thirty hour course in their own free time and we would like to congratulate them on their achievement!

Pictured from left to right: Jayden Taylor, Halley Cairns, Brodie Johnston, Ricky Donald, Kieran Davidson and Hannah Johnston.

The Young People completed the course in November 2009. We are hoping to run another course starting end of April beginning of May and if anyone is interested in being involved in this new course they should contact Alan Karas at Alford Community Centre on 019755 63651.

Momentum is an informal education programme that uses young peoples' interest in the car as a starting point for learning. It has been developed by UK Youth in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Repairs Association, the Motorcycle Industry Association, the Motor Schools Association and the Association of British Insurers. It also has the support of the Department of Transport, Local Government, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Driving Standards Agency. Momentum equips young people from aged 14 with the basic knowledge and practical skills they need to be safe drivers. It has three key elements:

• In The Mind,
• Behind The Wheel and
• Under the Bonnet.

The main aims of the programme are to:

• Challenge young peoples' attitudes to vehicle ownership and use.
• Provide participants with the correct information to help them become safe and responsible road users.
• Provide an opportunity for participants to acquire basic practical skills in vehicle use and care.
• Provide an opportunity for young people to explore a range of issues using the motor vehicle as a focus.