A TEEN from Woolston has proven himself to be one of Britain’s best young drivers, after coming third in a national competition.

Sam Chorley, a Kings Leadership Academy student, came third in the 14 to 16 age category of the Young Driver Challenge 2017.

He was one of 40 youngsters who travelled to the NEC in Birmingham to take part in the contest, where all the competitors were too young to drive on public roads.

Young Driver’s aim is to reduce the shockingly high accident rate for newly qualified drivers.

Almost 1,300 17 to 24 year olds are killed or seriously injured in road accidents each year and one in five has an accident within just six months of passing their test.

On the day, Sam wowed the judges with his skills behind the wheel, including parallel parking and emergency stops in a dual-control Vauxhall Corsa on mock road systems

Sam, who is hoping to pass his driving test without any extra lessons when he turns 17 in January, said: “I was quite nervous about the final, but really proud to have made it.

"We were definitely put to the test by the judges, and there was a lot to try and remember, but it was good fun as well.

"I’m really looking forward to learning on the road at 17, but it’s good to know I’ve already got some experience being behind the wheel. It doesn’t seem as daunting and I’ll be able to focus more on other road users and potential hazards.”

Laura White, head of marketing for Young Driver, added: “Huge congratulations to Sam. He, and all the competitors, did so well. Our judges were very impressed with the standard of driving. These youngsters take learning to drive extremely seriously, and much as they have a great time, our primary aim has always been to create a safer next generation of drivers."