YOUNG drivers gathered at Hexham Auction Mart on Tuesday and were given a hard hitting road safety message.

Arranged jointly by fire and rescue, police and Northumberland Council Council community safety staff, the Young Driver Safety event included a live vehicle rescue and the use of simulators to demonstrate the dangers of drink driving.

Although aimed at 14 to 24 year olds, the event attracted over 100 people, including parents with their youngsters.

Simon Packham, community safety officer for the west, organised the evening.

"We had a lot of interest and we were really pleased with the turn out," he said.

"It was about us doing everything we can to try and prevent people coming to harm on the county's roads by raising awareness of the dangers."

The event was held in partnership with local businesses, garages, advanced driving professionals and even funeral directors - with a hearse on site.

Red watch manager at Hexham Fire Station, Paula Kirkup, said: "We do these things regularly in schools but this was about opening it up to the wider public."

Volunteers from Hexham Youth Initiative took on the role of casualties and paramedics as the red watch fire crew recreated a rescue situation, using specialist cutting equipment to dismantle a Vauxhall Corsa.

Northumbria Police's specialist Op Dragoon police team, a dedicated team targeting road safety, were also on hand along with advanced motoring instructors from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Coun. John Riddle, cabinet member for planning, housing, public protection and fire at the county council, said: "These events provide a range of information and demonstrations regarding safe driving and provide the attendees with information that they can take away and put into use when on our roads, giving them further education into safe driving with benefits for everyone."