A LEADING race car driver is teaming up with a Hyndburn charity to promote road safety to youngsters.

British Touring Car Championship driver Dave Newsham will work with YNOT Aspire, based in Cannon Street, Accrington, to talk about safer driving.

He will visit the borough to run a number of sessions with young people involved with the charity to talk about life as a racing driver, his car, and the differences between racing and driving on the roads.

He will also display the charity’s logo on his car and race suit.

Mr Newsham said: “Giving young people access to behind the scenes of our race team is a ‘money can't buy’ opportunity and I hope everyone who comes along has a great day with us.

“I am also looking forward to using my knowledge not only as a racing driver, but as an experienced road user to educate young people to hopefully become more responsible behind the wheel of a road car.

“I have been a car driver for 29 years, and have never had an accident on the road, too many on the track, but that’s another story.”

YNOT Aspire offers free activities for young people as well as providing support and information to guide them through their education right through to getting a job, helping them to make the most of themselves and to achieve what they aspire to be, encouraging them to help other young people along the way.

As a result of the new partnership, young people and the charity’s supporters will get the opportunity to attend practice days and race days throughout the BTCC race season in 2014 as VIP guests of Dave and his team.

Chair of trustrees, Rob Flanagan, said: “We hope that teaming up with Dave and getting the kids out to the track will pique their interest and will give us an opportunity to educate them about road and vehicle safety.

“While giving them the chance to experience, VIP style, the thrills of motor racing.

“We want to do what we can to help reduce the number of road traffic accidents involving young people and to promote road safety.”