A SHOCK scheme to steer young offenders away from joy riding was launched at Hindley Prison this week.

Greater Manchester Ambulance Service's "The Way Out" will use hard hitting tactics to convey the message that stealing cars can have fatal consequences.

Inmates will be shown video footage and photographs of road accidents as well as seeing case studies of families torn apart as a result of a road accident involving a stolen vehicle.

Developed by GMAS, Nissan and HM Prison Hindley, the project hopes to tackle the car crime problem in the area.

It is a 30 hours training course targeted at first time offenders aged 16-20, with the aim of reducing re-offending rates.

Paul Roberts, GMAS training co-ordinator, said: "Many of these youngsters don't stop to think before stealing a car.

"It hasn't crossed their minds the potentially fatal consequences of their actions and the effect it will have on their own and their victims' lives.

"We hope to change this with the course. We use shock tactics, but if that's what it takes to make these young people think twice before taking a car, then it's got to be worth it."

On completion of the course, which includes training in vehicle maintenance and basic motor mechanics, offenders will receive a credit from the Open College Network. These credits represent the learning equivalent to that required for NVQ levels one and two and can be included in the young offenders' National Record of Achievement to support access to further education and employment opportunities.

This unique initiative is the first ever nationally accredited education programme for young offenders who have been involved in car crime and has already successfully reduced re-offending among inmates who have taken part in two pilot courses.

John Burnside, GMAS chief executive of GMAS, said: "Our paramedics and technicians are faced with the devastating consequences of stolen cars and road accidents on a daily basis. "We are totally committed to giving our wholhearted support to any scheme which aims to reduce these tragedies."