HELP is needed to guarantee Herefordshire's young people have the chance to learn about the dangers of driving before they take to the roads.

Sponsorship is needed to fund Dying to Drive, a presentation aimed at young people to raise awareness about taking risks on the county's roads before they get behind a wheel themselves.

The presentation is aimed at 14 to 15-year-olds - with 50% of this age group being passengers of drivers aged between 17 and 24.

Alison Ellis, an officer for the Youth Offending Service in Hereford, said the appeal for sponsorship represented a chance for Hereford Times readers to support an initiative that could help save lives in the future.

"It is such a vital part of driving education that we are looking for sponsorship and we would appreciate any offers from businesses and interested parties," she said.

The hard-hitting presentation begins with a simulated road accident with actors playing the parts of those who die or get injured, along with commentary from an experienced fire officer.

This is followed by an analysis of the reasons for the accident.

Discussions then take place about the importance of wearing seatbelts, avoiding distractions and drink or drug driving.

Youngsters are also provided with an awareness of basic first aid skills in case they find themselves at the scene of a real accident.

Previous presentations have led to youngsters becoming silenced and near to tears because it is so close to reality.

"It's all about changing their attitudes before they start driving and the biggest change we have seen is the attitude to wearing seatbelts," said Mrs Ellis.

"The number of young people wearing them has increased and they are also prepared to tell their drivers to slow down.

"More young people will also refuse to get into a car with someone who has been drinking"

Dying to Drive involves the police, fire, ambulance, road safety, youth offending service and education.

In previous years, the presentation has been delivered twice a day for a week in June at Peterchurch Fire Station and about 1,500 youngsters have benefited.

So far this year, 11 of the county's 14 high schools want to attend, and two pupil referral units and one special school will also be invited.

Mrs Ellis added: "It is hoped £9,000 can be raised and money will be paid into Herefordshire Council road safety account."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can contact Mrs Ellis on 01432 383300 or 07947 570417.